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  • BMW Releases Second Teaser Of Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

    BMW Releases Second Teaser Of Vision EfficientDynamics Concept August 28th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, August 28th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 15 Comments

    BMW Releases Second Teaser Of Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

    As soon as spy images of a mysterious BMW concept emerged earlier this month, BMW said the car pictured was nothing but an old aerodynamics test mule, certainly not a new concept due for debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. But whatever that car was, BMW is definitely working on something all-new for Frankfurt, and today the company has released a second teaser image of the upcoming car.

    Dubbed the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, it's expected to be a three-cylinder, hybrid-powertrain four-door coupe. Yesterday, the company released a teaser video further developing the car's green image and giving a hint at what looks like a rear...

    As soon as spy images of a mysterious BMW concept emerged earlier this month, BMW said the car pictured was nothing but an old aerodynamics test mule, certainly not a new concept due for debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. But whatever that car was, BMW is definitely working on something all-new for Frankfurt, and today the company has released a second teaser image of the upcoming car. Dubbed the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, it's expected to be a three-cylinder, hybrid-powertrain four-door coupe. Yesterday, the company released a teaser video further developing the car's green image and giving a hint at what looks like a rear quarter panel. The image revealed today, via the IAABlog, shows the opposite view of the other rear quarter panel, which does little to give us an idea of the car's overall shape, but does continue to build curiosity. Though new video also doesn't show much of the car - beyond the second image above - in any of its green-themed scenes, it does show car-perspective footage, implies high-speed and performance driving and also teases with terms like 'Vision EfficientDynamics', perhaps offering a reminder of the GINA Light Visionary Concept from last June. The car captured earlier this month offers a similar appearance, though does away with the cloth body work for what appears to be real metal, shaped into a long-coupe profile and apparently small form factor. That shape threw many commentators for a loop in trying to identify the car when it was spotted by spies, but when taken as a possible new model, or at least a concept previewing next-generation BMW powertrain technology, it begins to make more sense. According to Auto Express, the new car will also show off features of BMW's upcoming design direction, much like the CS Concept did in 2007. That concept drew as much fire as it did praise, and though elements of its design have seen production application - heavily toned down, of course - expect to see another controversial set of features in this new concept. We'll all have to wait until the Frankfurt show next month to find out exactly what is and isn't rumor, but stay tuned to Motor Authority for the latest developments, whatever they may be. Late last year a high ranking insider revealed that BMW was working on a “green” super-sports car based along the lines of the M1 Homage concept. BMW development board member Dr Klaus Draeger also recently revealed that the company was planning to unveil a sustainable sports car concept at the upcoming Frankfurt event. The concept is expected pack the latest in BMW EfficientDynamics technology, but in addition to showcasing powertrain advancements it will also feature sustainable design and material elements. According to previous reports, BMW is studying the viability of the project, with an eye to eventually building a two-seater sports car that showcases all of firm’s most sophisticated environmental technology. A limited production run would be timed for release at the end of 2012, giving cars like the top-selling Audi R8 and upcoming Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing some healthy competition. [Auto Express, BMW WebTV] BMW M1 Homage 2009 BMW sustainable sports car concept spy shots Read More

  • Report: BMW to unveil sustainable sports car concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

    Report: BMW to unveil sustainable sports car concept at Frankfurt Motor Show July 29th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 29th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 8 Comments

    Report: BMW to unveil sustainable sports car concept at Frankfurt Motor Show Along with today’s shock announcement that BMW is quitting F1 after the 2009 season, the automaker also announced a new focus on "sustainability and environmental compatibility". This doesn’t mean that BMW’s future model range will be limited to unexciting fuel misers. Nothing could be further from the truth as the automaker will reportedly showcase a new sustainable sports car concept at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

    Late last year a high ranking insider revealed that BMW was working on a “green” super-sports car based along the lines of the M1 Homage concept. BMW development board member Dr... Along with today’s shock announcement that BMW is quitting F1 after the 2009 season, the automaker also announced a new focus on "sustainability and environmental compatibility". This doesn’t mean that BMW’s future model range will be limited to unexciting fuel misers. Nothing could be further from the truth as the automaker will reportedly showcase a new sustainable sports car concept at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Late last year a high ranking insider revealed that BMW was working on a “green” super-sports car based along the lines of the M1 Homage concept. BMW development board member Dr Klaus Draeger has now revealed to AutoTelegraaf that the company is planning to unveil a sustainable sports car concept at the upcoming Frankfurt event. The concept will pack the latest in BMW EfficientDynamics technology, but rather than just showcasing powertrain advancements the concept will feature sustainable design and material elements. According to previous reports, BMW is studying the viability of the project, with the ultimate goal to create a two-seater sports car that showcases all of firm’s most sophisticated environmental technology. A limited production run would be timed for release at the end of 2012. The car could potentially serve as a direct rival to the top-selling Audi R8 and upcoming Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing.BMW M1 Homage Read More

  • New engines added to BMW 1-series lineup

    New engines added to BMW 1-series lineup June 25th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, June 25th, 2009 James Martinez 2 Comments

    New engines added to BMW 1-series lineup Like its 7-series bigger brother, the diminutive BMW 1-series is being upgraded for the 2010 model year with new engines and several special edition models. New to the lineup are the 120i and 118d 1-series Coupes, as well as the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the three and five-door Hatchback models.

    Still the only rear-wheel-drive model in the compact segment, the BMW 1-series offers a unique blend of sporty driving and compact car efficiency. Nowhere is this more evident than in the 1-series Coupe, which for 2010 will be available with a direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder engine developing 170hp (125kW) and 155lb-ft (210Nm) of torque.

    ... Like its 7-series bigger brother, the diminutive BMW 1-series is being upgraded for the 2010 model year with new engines and several special edition models. New to the lineup are the 120i and 118d 1-series Coupes, as well as the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the three and five-door Hatchback models. Still the only rear-wheel-drive model in the compact segment, the BMW 1-series offers a unique blend of sporty driving and compact car efficiency. Nowhere is this more evident than in the 1-series Coupe, which for 2010 will be available with a direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder engine developing 170hp (125kW) and 155lb-ft (210Nm) of torque. With the new engine, the 120i Coupe will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 224km/h. Fuel economy comes in at 35.6mpg (6.6L/100km). Also available is a 143hp (105kW) 2.0L turbodiesel with 221lb-ft (300Nm) of torque on tap. This power unit offers a respectable combination of performance and fuel economy, with the 118d Coupe accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 210km/h. Average fuel economy comes in at 52mpg (4.5L/100km). Both new variants of the 1-series Coup also come as standard with a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as brake energy regeneration, an engine stop-start function, a gearshift point indicator and ancillary units with on-demand management and control. In terms of style, the three and five-door Hatchbacks can be ordered in either Lifestyle or Sport Edition Models, both of which feature unique color schemes, 17in wheels, and special trim.2010 BMW 1-series Read More

  • Early look at BMW’s next-gen EfficientDynamics technology

    Early look at BMW’s next-gen EfficientDynamics technology June 23rd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Early look at BMW’s next-gen EfficientDynamics technology As automakers seek ways to create more efficient cars without compromising power or driveability, eyes are increasingly turning to new technologies and ideas. One of the leaders in this field is BMW, which has already shown off several innovative ideas such as using electricity generated by exhaust gas heat and solar power to take the electrical load off the engine and thereby improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

    This is only the start for BMW, however, as the automaker has a bevy of other fuel saving technologies up its sleeve. Autocar is reporting that many of these new technologies will be appearing on the next-generation 1-series... As automakers seek ways to create more efficient cars without compromising power or driveability, eyes are increasingly turning to new technologies and ideas. One of the leaders in this field is BMW, which has already shown off several innovative ideas such as using electricity generated by exhaust gas heat and solar power to take the electrical load off the engine and thereby improve efficiency and reduce emissions. This is only the start for BMW, however, as the automaker has a bevy of other fuel saving technologies up its sleeve. Autocar is reporting that many of these new technologies will be appearing on the next-generation 1-series hatchback due in 2011. In addition to the EfficientDynamics features already available today, such as engine stop-start systems and low rolling resistance tires, the next 1-series will reportedly get a pre-heating system for the engine, differential and gearbox to ensure the car is running at its optimal efficiency as soon as the wheels start turning. The engine stop-start system will also be available for the first time on automatic models and a new electro-mechanical steering system will be added. Further down the track, we should be seeing more advanced features such as the aforementioned heat-energy recovery systems, as well as variable frontal aerodynamics, regenerative brakes, and even a satellite-aided traffic management system. This latter feature is designed to help improve efficiency by anticipating when acceleration or braking will be necessary, and smoothing out the transitions between the two, resulting in better fuel economy.BMW Thermoelectic Generator Preview2012 BMW 1-series spy shots Read More

  • BMW Z4 Roadster priced from $46,575 in U.S.

    BMW Z4 Roadster priced from $46,575 in U.S. March 28th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, March 28th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    BMW Z4 Roadster priced from $46,575 in U.S. BMW’s striking new Z4 Roadster is set to arrive in showrooms across the U.S. in the following months and in the lead up to its entrance pricing for the entire range, including all options and accessories, has been revealed. The new car will be sold as a 2010 model and will be available in either sDrive30i or sDrive35i trim levels.

    Pricing for the base sDrive30i will start at $46,575 (including destination and handling charges), which represents a marked rise over the $36,700 asking price of the base version of the old Z4, but more importantly it puts the new model in direct competition with the similarly priced Porsche Boxster. With... BMW’s striking new Z4 Roadster is set to arrive in showrooms across the U.S. in the following months and in the lead up to its entrance pricing for the entire range, including all options and accessories, has been revealed. The new car will be sold as a 2010 model and will be available in either sDrive30i or sDrive35i trim levels. Pricing for the base sDrive30i will start at $46,575 (including destination and handling charges), which represents a marked rise over the $36,700 asking price of the base version of the old Z4, but more importantly it puts the new model in direct competition with the similarly priced Porsche Boxster. With 255hp (190kW) on tap, the naturally-aspirated sDrive30i will sprint from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in roughly 5.6 seconds. The top end sDrive35i, meanwhile, will start at of $52,475 and compares well with the outgoing Z4 M, which was priced from $50,400 and carried more power but less torque. Official numbers for the twin-turbocharged sDrive35i are 300hp (224kW) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 5 seconds. BMW will also be offering a range of optional packs for the Z4, which includes a new Cold Weather package for $1,000 for both models, a Premium Package priced at $3,900 for the sDrive30i and $2,800 for the sDrive35i, and a new Sport Package for $2,300. Some optional goodies include 19in wheels with performance tires and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, though these are limited to the sDrive35i. For more details check out the full pricing list over at BMWBlog or check out our previous story on the 2010 BMW Z4 by clicking here.2010 BMW Z4 Roadster2009 BMW Z4 convertible Read More

  • Early look at BMW’s next wave of EfficientDynamics technology

    Early look at BMW’s next wave of EfficientDynamics technology March 9th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 9th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 5 Comments

    Early look at BMW’s next wave of EfficientDynamics technology As manufacturers seek ways to create more efficient cars without compromising power or driveability, eyes are increasingly turning to new technologies and ideas. BMW is looking to electricity generated by exhaust gas heat and solar power to take the electrical load off the engine and thereby improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

    In fact, BMW has found that reusing the otherwise wasted exhaust heat to power a thermoelectric generator could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%. The benefit comes from storing the electricity and using it to pre-heat the engine or power the air-conditioning systems. BMW is also working on employing solar... As manufacturers seek ways to create more efficient cars without compromising power or driveability, eyes are increasingly turning to new technologies and ideas. BMW is looking to electricity generated by exhaust gas heat and solar power to take the electrical load off the engine and thereby improve efficiency and reduce emissions. In fact, BMW has found that reusing the otherwise wasted exhaust heat to power a thermoelectric generator could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%. The benefit comes from storing the electricity and using it to pre-heat the engine or power the air-conditioning systems. BMW is also working on employing solar panels on the roofs of its cars. Prototypes have achieved 200W output levels, enough to improve fuel efficiency by about 1%, and more advanced solar panel designs could easily improve on this figure. The individual technologies are part of the overarching EfficientDynamics campaign to create more environmentally-aware cars while maintaining the driving dynamics. Speaking with CAR, BMW development boss Klaus Draeger said this second-generation of EfficientDynamics technology will be appearing in showrooms by 2014. Before then, we’ll start to see fuel-saving engine stop-start mechanisms available on BMW’s automatic models (currently it’s available on manuals only) as well as the introduction of a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. Other future technologies BMW is working on include regenerative braking, stop-start operation, variable frontal aerodynamics, electric power steering and a satellite-aided traffic management system that helps improve efficiency by anticipating when acceleration or braking will be necessary, and smoothing out the transitions between the two, resulting in better fuel economy. In Germany alone, BMW estimates that up to 12 billion liters (3.17 billion gallons) of fuel are wasted annually in traffic jams and other road hindrances. BMW isn’t the only carmaker pushing the envelope when it comes to fuel-saving technologies. Honda's similar work on the Rankine Cycle, which uses exhaust gas to heat water, creating steam that spins a turbine to generate electricity, has found as much as 32kW can be generated by the method, though the weight penalty for the device reduces fuel efficiency benefits to 3.8% at a 100km/h (62mph) cruise in a 2.0L direct-injection petrol four-cylinder. Volkswagen, too, has announced that it’s working on a thermoelectric exhaust system similar to BMW’s one.BMW Thermoelectic Generator Preview Read More

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