Motor Authority - blog Tag: Suspension

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

German suspension specialist KW Automotive will present a modified version of the Nissan GT-R at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, which has been fitted with a new Clubsport coilover suspension kit designed for racing. Together with Japanese vehicle importer Hashimoto, KW has also developed a second set-up called the Variant 3 coilover and both kits will be on display at the Geneva event.

Both products allow an independently adjustable traction and compression phase for an ideal running gear regulation according to the road conditions and the requirements of the driver. Furthermore, KW integrates its own Hydraulic Lift System at both... German suspension specialist KW Automotive will present a modified version of the Nissan GT-R at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, which has been fitted with a new Clubsport coilover suspension kit designed for racing. Together with Japanese vehicle importer Hashimoto, KW has also developed a second set-up called the Variant 3 coilover and both kits will be on display at the Geneva event. Both products allow an independently adjustable traction and compression phase for an ideal running gear regulation according to the road conditions and the requirements of the driver. Furthermore, KW integrates its own Hydraulic Lift System at both axles. This enables the driver to lift the car by button or radio control up to 45mm, so it passes speed bumps and other obstacles such as entrances to underground car parks easily. The system even works while driving up to 80 km/h. As far as the appearance, grip and seats of the car are concerned, the running gear specialist KW and the importer Hashimoto brought further experts into the team. OZ provides its three-part 20in Superleggera alloy wheels, and inside Recaro has fitted a pair of bucket seats with Schroth six-point racing harnesses. The final touch is a pair of Lamborghini-style doors. Neither KW nor the importer Hashimoto has changed the engine performance, which means the car is powered by the standard 3.8L V6-biturbo VR38 DETT engine churning out 480hp (353kW) at 6,400rpm.KW Nissan GT-R Read More

When it comes to power-regeneration technology the first place most people look at is brake hardware. Many of the petrol-electric hybrid vehicles on the roads today, and even some non-hybrids, feature some sort of brake energy regeneration device. These usually consist of storing energy in a separate fly wheel or using an electric motor as a generator to slow a vehicle.

Scientists at Tufts University have now developed a system that relies on the movement of a shock-absorber to generate power. According to Tufts Journal, the technology is an electromagnetic linear generator, which converts energy that would otherwise be lost, into... When it comes to power-regeneration technology the first place most people look at is brake hardware. Many of the petrol-electric hybrid vehicles on the roads today, and even some non-hybrids, feature some sort of brake energy regeneration device. These usually consist of storing energy in a separate fly wheel or using an electric motor as a generator to slow a vehicle. Scientists at Tufts University have now developed a system that relies on the movement of a shock-absorber to generate power. According to Tufts Journal, the technology is an electromagnetic linear generator, which converts energy that would otherwise be lost, into electrical energy that can help charge a vehicle’s battery. The electricity generated can then be combined with electricity from other power generation systems, such as solar panels or regenerative brakes, and stored in the vehicle’s batteries or used to power ancillary features. The technology was pioneered by engineering professor emeritus Ronald Goldner and colleague Peter Zerigian within the School of Engineering, with support also from Argonne National Laboratory. A transport company in the U.S. has licensed the technology and plans to start trials using a fleet of electric trucks later this year. Read More

The highlight of this weekend’s Tokyo Auto Salon will undoubtedly be Nissan’s brand new SpecV GT-R, but as expected Japan’s big name tuners have not stood idly by and let Nissan take all the spotlight. We’ve already seen custom GT-Rs from the likes of Zele International and Branew, and new Blitz has revealed a custom version of the supercar designed for the D1 drift series.

The Blitz car is still in the development stage and is expected to start competing until next year. However, many of the details have been specified. These include the removal of the standard GT-R’s ATTESA-ETS AWD system, which has been... The highlight of this weekend’s Tokyo Auto Salon will undoubtedly be Nissan’s brand new SpecV GT-R, but as expected Japan’s big name tuners have not stood idly by and let Nissan take all the spotlight. We’ve already seen custom GT-Rs from the likes of Zele International and Branew, and new Blitz has revealed a custom version of the supercar designed for the D1 drift series. The Blitz car is still in the development stage and is expected to start competing until next year. However, many of the details have been specified. These include the removal of the standard GT-R’s ATTESA-ETS AWD system, which has been replaced with a conventional rear-drive layout. Also gone is the GT’R’s trick dual-clutch gearbox, and in its place is a Hollinger sequential unit so there’s no need for a standard H-pattern gate. To save more weight, engineers also removed the air-conditioner, seats, and many unnecessary panels. In their place are lighter carbon-fiber units, Bride sports bucket seats, and plenty of Blitz gauges. Other details include a Blitz ZRR suspension, carbon-fiber hood, forged magnesium wheels, and a high-flow exhaust system. Expect more details to be released as the car’s development progresses. Via: GT-R BlogBlitz GT-R with RWD and manual gearbox Read More

Developing an all-new iteration of a beloved car is no easy feat. Improving on the existing strengths while introducing as few new weaknesses as possible and at the same time improving value and performance is as tough a balancing act as you're likely to find. But BMW thinks it's done the job with the new Z4 and has released this behind-the-scenes look at how it did it.

The video depicts a prototype, completely unmasked, on a suspension simulator that's able to compress weeks of driving into hours of testing. That high-tech bit of kit, plus a lot of other machines, computers, simulators and highly educated people are what came together to... Developing an all-new iteration of a beloved car is no easy feat. Improving on the existing strengths while introducing as few new weaknesses as possible and at the same time improving value and performance is as tough a balancing act as you're likely to find. But BMW thinks it's done the job with the new Z4 and has released this behind-the-scenes look at how it did it. The video depicts a prototype, completely unmasked, on a suspension simulator that's able to compress weeks of driving into hours of testing. That high-tech bit of kit, plus a lot of other machines, computers, simulators and highly educated people are what came together to yield the final product. Toward the end, the roadster's new hard top is shown off and though we don't get the detail we'd like, it does reveal the general look of the car in a more candid environment than the press photos from the official reveal.2010 BMW Z4 Roadster2009 BMW Z4 convertible Read More

BMW has released the first details and images for its all-new Z4 Roadster, which is set to make its debut next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale in the following months. The design of the new Z4 comes out through classic details interpreted in a very modern style, highlighted by an automated folding aluminum roof.

The hardtop brings the Z4 in line with the competition, opening and closing in 20 seconds. The weight penalty is offset by greater security, better visibility and greater comfort. The side windows are 40% larger than the outgoing soft-top model, and the rear window is fully 52% larger. The Z4 also keeps its... BMW has released the first details and images for its all-new Z4 Roadster, which is set to make its debut next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale in the following months. The design of the new Z4 comes out through classic details interpreted in a very modern style, highlighted by an automated folding aluminum roof. The hardtop brings the Z4 in line with the competition, opening and closing in 20 seconds. The weight penalty is offset by greater security, better visibility and greater comfort. The side windows are 40% larger than the outgoing soft-top model, and the rear window is fully 52% larger. The Z4 also keeps its classic roadster proportions, with a long hood, short overhangs, and strong shoulders. However, the car's styling has been modernized with new integrated LED indicators on its flanks as well as on the head and tail-lamps. The new car is slightly larger outside than its predecessor, offering significantly more comfort and storage. The new car is 5.8in longer, 0.4in wider, and 0.3in lower than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also grown 0.1in to measure 98.8in from axle to axle. Two powertrains will be available at the car’s North America launch: a 300hp (224kW) twin-turbocharged 3.0L six wearing the new sDrive35i badge, and a 255hp (190kW) naturally aspirated version of the same engine in the sDrive30i model. What’s most impressive is the torque characteristics of the turbocharged mill, which maintains its peak levels of 300lb-ft through a broad rev range from 1,400 to 5,000rpm. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.0 seconds flat and reach an electronically controlled top speed of 150mph when equipped with an optional sport pack. The 0-60mph acceleration time for the sDrive30i, meanwhile, is 5.6 seconds. While both models are available with a manual six-speed gearbox, the Z4 sDrive35i is available also with a dual-clutch sport automatic transmission featuring seven gears. The six-speed sport automatic is available on the Z4 sDrive30i. Both sport automatic transmissions feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The sport automatic gives the driver the choice of either automatic (Program D) or manual gear selection. If desired, the driver may shift gears manually by means of paddles on the steering wheel. Featuring Dynamic Drive Control as standard, drivers will also be able to choose between three drivetrain and suspension settings at the touch of a button. The Z4 also features an electronic rear brake management system, which is used to simulate a limited slip differential for stronger acceleration in turns. Opting for the Sport Package with Adaptive M Suspension and Electronic Damping Control allows the driver a number of extra controls. In addition to changing damper forces on the Adaptive M Suspension, DDC also conditions the responses of the gas pedal, the power steering, and the response thresholds of Dynamic Stability Control. This is done by choosing either ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, or ‘Sport+’ modes. Both models come as standard on 17in light-alloy wheels with runflat tires and a tire pressure monitoring system. Once again BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies serve to provide a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Some of the highlights include on-demand management and control of the car’s accessory drives, a variable oil pump, intelligent lightweight technology, and optimized aerodynamics. Inside, the car comes with Kansas leather in a choice of three colors, plus optional Ivory White Nappa leather trim as part of the Exclusive Ivory White Leather Package. The entire range of paintwork colors available on the new Z4 is made up of no less than nine color tones including Orion Silver metallic exclusive to the Roadster. Also included for the first time in the Roadster is BMW’s latest generation iDrive system, which is now integrated with the navigation system. The system itself is made up of a Controller on the center console and a folding, high-resolution 8.8in display screen on the instrument panel. Pressing the direct selection buttons on the newly configured Controller, the user is able to spontaneously change to the CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions. Navigation data is stored on an 80GB hard drive that has 15GB of storage space available for music. The new Z4 will be built at BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany alongside the 3-Series and 1-Series models. This is because the American Spartanburg plant, where the former model was built, is concentrating from now on entirely on the production of BMW’s X models.2010 BMW Z4 Roadster2009 BMW Z4 convertible Read More