General Motors Channels Its Inner Gollum: Hangs...

Motor Authority - blog Tag: mini e

  • BMW Joins Forces With Carbon Fiber Manufacturer For Megacity Vehicle

    BMW Joins Forces With Carbon Fiber Manufacturer For Megacity Vehicle October 29th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 29th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    BMW Joins Forces With Carbon Fiber Manufacturer For Megacity Vehicle

    BMW's Megacity Vehicle, which will be launched under a sub-brand during the first half of the next decade, will employ a vast array of lightweight composite materials to enable its super-low emissions goals. To that end, BMW today announced a joint venture with carbon fiber and composites experts the SGL Group.

    Both the technology and the materials developed by the SGL Group will feed into the Megacity Vehicle. Ultra light yet still structurally very strong materials will be key to meeting both environmental and safety goals for the car.

    The Megacity Vehicle is expected to come under a BMW sub-brand, possibly the Isetta brand, with the...

    BMW's Megacity Vehicle, which will be launched under a sub-brand during the first half of the next decade, will employ a vast array of lightweight composite materials to enable its super-low emissions goals. To that end, BMW today announced a joint venture with carbon fiber and composites experts the SGL Group. Both the technology and the materials developed by the SGL Group will feed into the Megacity Vehicle. Ultra light yet still structurally very strong materials will be key to meeting both environmental and safety goals for the car. The Megacity Vehicle is expected to come under a BMW sub-brand, possibly the Isetta brand, with the first car under the sub-brand arriving as early as 2012. Talk of collaboration with Toyota on the project, leveraging the iQ city car platform, has also emerged, which would help BMW meet the tight timeline. Project i is the over-arching project that will spawn the Megacity Vehicle, however, meaning that not all cars built under the BMW sub-brand will necessarily share the Megacity's super-high-tech goals. Some may be simpler, cheaper, and more readily available. The Megacity Vehicle is also likely to take several years more development, with the outside window of 2014 or 2015 being more likely for retail release. The Mini E electric vehicle prototype, for example, was the first vehicle to come out of the Project i works. Still, the joint venture with the SGL Group will help BMW reach the economies of scale necessary to produce carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) at volumes and prices realistic for mass production. BMW is, of course, no stranger to carbon fiber, having employed its use extensively in motorsports as well as the CSL versions of its M Division vehicles over the years. [BMW] Read More

  • Video: BMW’s new sub-brand to revive Isetta name?

    Video: BMW’s new sub-brand to revive Isetta name? August 5th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 5th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    Video: BMW’s new sub-brand to revive Isetta name? For the older European readers out there, the mention of the words BMW Isetta probably conjures up nostalgic images of little, egg-shaped cars trundling around the city, with styling that looked possibly as cheerful and non-threatening as a car could ever get. Built in the 1950s and ‘60s, the BMW Isetta was one of the best-selling minicars of all time, and BMW ended up producing close to 160,000 units in just seven years - but apparently that wasn't enough considering the news that BMW is expected to revive the Isetta brand to sell city cars under once again.

    The news comes following speculation that BMW was considering adding a... For the older European readers out there, the mention of the words BMW Isetta probably conjures up nostalgic images of little, egg-shaped cars trundling around the city, with styling that looked possibly as cheerful and non-threatening as a car could ever get. Built in the 1950s and ‘60s, the BMW Isetta was one of the best-selling minicars of all time, and BMW ended up producing close to 160,000 units in just seven years - but apparently that wasn't enough considering the news that BMW is expected to revive the Isetta brand to sell city cars under once again. The news comes following speculation that BMW was considering adding a fourth brand to its portfolio that would be able to sell cars developed under the 'Project i' initiative, a rumor that was denied by CEO Norbert Reithofer. Instead, BMW will use a sub-brand to sell the Project i cars, rather than an entire new brand, much in the way BMW's 'M' performance division sells M-badged cars. The exact quote from Reithofer comes from a speech given earlier this week, in which he confirmed that BMW's "Project i is working on a Megacity vehicle as well as on new mobility concepts. The board has now decided: this auto will be launched on the market as a sub-brand of BMW. As BMW is the innovation driver within the group, the decision for a sub-brand under BMW is the most logical step." This is where the Isetta brand comes in - while BMW has yet to officially confirm the news, there are several big clues that BMW will be reviving the Isetta name to sell off its Project i cars. The biggest clue comes from a new ad campaign for the BMW Museum in Munich. Interestingly, the ad exclusively features miniature Isetta models travelling around an urban environment in stop-motion - 'subtly' highlighting the car's small nature and intended use in cities. Powertrain options for the car are still uncertain, but many are speculating that it may be launched with a small diesel or petrol engine, with a move towards electric vehicles shortly afterwards. In the meantime, you can check out the very subtle ad that BMW has just released for the BMW Museum below. Via: TheCarConnectionBMW Museum Isetta ad campaign Read More

  • BMW rules out fourth brand, favors new "sub-brand"

    BMW rules out fourth brand, favors new "sub-brand" August 4th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 4th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    BMW rules out fourth brand, favors new Since the release of its official strategy in September of 2007, media sources around the world have been speculating that BMW was looking at either launching its own new brand or acquiring one to help expansion. BMW already has a foothold in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments with its BMW and Rolls-Royce brands, respectively, plus it has the Mini small car brand as well, but reports suggested that the automaker may launch or revive a fourth brand for its upcoming family of Project i cars.

    BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has now made the final word on the topic, putting an end to claims of a new brand and reconfirming earlier statements that... Since the release of its official strategy in September of 2007, media sources around the world have been speculating that BMW was looking at either launching its own new brand or acquiring one to help expansion. BMW already has a foothold in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments with its BMW and Rolls-Royce brands, respectively, plus it has the Mini small car brand as well, but reports suggested that the automaker may launch or revive a fourth brand for its upcoming family of Project i cars. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has now made the final word on the topic, putting an end to claims of a new brand and reconfirming earlier statements that no existing brand fits the criteria BMW seeks in a partner at present. At one point it was thought BMW was interested in acquiring Volvo or possibly even the Triumph brand. Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, Reithofer said the first Project i car will feature an electric drivetrain and will be launched under a "BMW sub-brand" comparable to BMW's M badge, which marks high-performance cars. Reithofer also revealed that the vehicle will be launched "in the first half of the next decade," but failed to provide any further details. Earlier this week BMW confirmed that it would be partnering with SB LiMotive, a joint-venture between Bosch and Samsung SDI, for the supply of lithium-ion batteries for the new vehicles. In related news, Reithofer also confirmed that BMW was still in talks with France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen over a possible deal to build new engines together, as well as Daimler on joint purchasing and sharing certain components. Read More

  • BMW picks Bosch and Samsung JV as Project i battery supplier

    BMW picks Bosch and Samsung JV as Project i battery supplier August 3rd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, August 3rd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    BMW picks Bosch and Samsung JV as Project i battery supplier BMW's foray into the world of hybrids is expected to begin at some point this year with the release of a hybrid variant of the 7-series flagship and eventually the X5 and X6 SUVs as well. While development for those cars is mostly complete, BMW is preparing its next-generation of hybrids and all-electric vehicles and today has announced a new battery supplier for the future vehicles.

    The new models are being developed under BMW’s recently established Project i division and will include a whole assortment of vehicles including city cars, coupes, roadsters, and even a scooter or two. Powering them will be arrays of lithium-ion battery... BMW's foray into the world of hybrids is expected to begin at some point this year with the release of a hybrid variant of the 7-series flagship and eventually the X5 and X6 SUVs as well. While development for those cars is mostly complete, BMW is preparing its next-generation of hybrids and all-electric vehicles and today has announced a new battery supplier for the future vehicles. The new models are being developed under BMW’s recently established Project i division and will include a whole assortment of vehicles including city cars, coupes, roadsters, and even a scooter or two. Powering them will be arrays of lithium-ion battery cells provided by a joint venture between Bosch and Samsung SDI called SB LiMotive. SB LiMotive, which recently acquired General Motors' hybrid battery supplier Cobasys, is a 50-50 joint venture between Bosch and a South Korean lithium-ion battery supplier that specializes in consumer electronics applications. Integration of lithium-ion battery cells in a car requires higher standards in terms of durability, operational stability and safety, which is where Bosch's century-long experience in the auto industry comes into play. "The decision is a major milestone along the way to serial production of the Megacity Vehicle. The battery is a key component in any electric vehicle - it determines the range and performance of the car," BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a statement today. "With SB LiMotive we have selected a supplier who offers the best available technology, combining leading German automotive expertise with future-oriented Korean battery know-how." The news bodes well for those of us looking forward to BMW's Project i cars, and puts the program one step closer to reality. Read More

  • Report: First BMW Project i car coming in 2012

    Report: First BMW Project i car coming in 2012 June 26th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, June 26th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 1 Comment

    Report: First BMW Project i car coming in 2012 In March of 2008 BMW first announced plans to establish a new research division called ‘Project i,’ whose task would be to develop a number of solutions for a vehicle designed for congested city motoring. The goal of Project i was never to exclusively develop one type of vehicle or another, but to come up with a range of technologies BMW could introduce across its fleet or even under a rumored fourth brand.

    Now, more than a year down the track, Project i is in full swing and is already spawning its first products. The first development of Project i is the recently launched Mini-E, which BMW will use to gather feedback about what... In March of 2008 BMW first announced plans to establish a new research division called ‘Project i,’ whose task would be to develop a number of solutions for a vehicle designed for congested city motoring. The goal of Project i was never to exclusively develop one type of vehicle or another, but to come up with a range of technologies BMW could introduce across its fleet or even under a rumored fourth brand. Now, more than a year down the track, Project i is in full swing and is already spawning its first products. The first development of Project i is the recently launched Mini-E, which BMW will use to gather feedback about what urban customers want and need from a zero-emissions vehicle. Over the next couple of years BMW will launch a range of near-zero emission vehicles. A new family of vehicles under the Megacity heading will be the second specific platform to come out of Project i and will include both all-electric models as well as high efficiency combustion engines (i.e. compact turbocharged diesel and petrol units). The first of these will reportedly be a compact hatch that will be smaller and cheaper than the 1-series and Mini Cooper. BMW plans to switch its focus from expensive niche products like the stillborn X7 fullsize SUV and a new super-sports car model to higher volume eco-friendly vehicles. Speaking with Car and Driver, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said the first Project i car will be a three door hatch designed specifically for the U.S. market to meet California’s Zero-Emission-Vehicle (ZEV) requirements that call for large-volume automakers to sell ZEVs by 2012. "With the Megacity vehicles we are pursuing a radical approach toward establishing a truly sustainable value chain - from development to production and sales,” he said. The car will be able to seat up to four adults and will be powered by an electric motor running on water-cooled lithium-ion batteries. Styling will be BMW-like, with short overhangs, a wide track, and a low roofline. The new car will be a global model and other versions, both petrol and diesel, will eventually be available. After that the possibilities are endless. There are reports that BMW’s Project i division will eventually launch a new Z2 Roadster, a motorbike, and even a successor to the original C1 scooter.2010 Mini E electric vehicle Read More

  • BMW wants to develop its EV technology completely in-house

    BMW wants to develop its EV technology completely in-house May 26th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 26th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    BMW wants to develop its EV technology completely in-house Since the release of BMW’s official strategy back in September 2007, media sources around the world have speculated about the carmaker looking to either launch its own new brand or acquire one to help its expansion. Instead, BMW established a new environmental think-tank dubbed 'Project i', whose task is to develop a number of solutions for a vehicle designed for congested city motoring.

    The Project i division runs independently to BMW and has been given until the middle of the next decade to develop a concrete solution for a possible range of city cars. The urbanized car for the masses connotation has lead to speculation that the... Since the release of BMW’s official strategy back in September 2007, media sources around the world have speculated about the carmaker looking to either launch its own new brand or acquire one to help its expansion. Instead, BMW established a new environmental think-tank dubbed 'Project i', whose task is to develop a number of solutions for a vehicle designed for congested city motoring. The Project i division runs independently to BMW and has been given until the middle of the next decade to develop a concrete solution for a possible range of city cars. The urbanized car for the masses connotation has lead to speculation that the Project i cars will be something low-end and cheap. Nothing could be further from the truth, according to research and development boss Dr Ulrich Kranz who revealed to Germany’s Handelsblatt that BMW will be working on bringing the Project i solutions to market completely in-house. Kranz explained that the vehicles will be “premium” and not a rival for cars like the Tata Nano. He went on to reveal that the upcoming technologies, which will include electric drivetrains, will be developed by engineers based at BMW’s headquarters in Munich. Furthermore, BMW does not have a battery partner for its electric vehicles although previous reports suggested the carmaker was searching for one. The first development of Project i is already on the roads in the form of the recently launched Mini-E, which will be used to gather feedback about what urban customers want and need. The eventual city cars could include both three and four-wheel variants and will be built in Germany. Kranz was quick to point out, however, that there was still a lot of work to do and that the first mass produced model won’t be ready for sale until 2015 at the earliest. No decision has been made on whether a new brand will be launched for the Project i cars but we should know by the end of the year. Read More

More Headlines