BMW

NEW BMW M2 M AND 2-SERIES AT TEXAS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:00:00 +0000

There are many ways to attract attention to themselves in Texas. In the largest of the US contiguous states, everything seems bigger, bigger, brighter and stronger than other regions of the country. You want to wear a Stetson, leggings and boots in the city? Of course. Why not? You can merge with each other and SUV- Stockman truck driver and cowboy in town. Do you want to stand in a crowd? Drive a little something, like the new BMW Convertible Series 2.

Among the van Ram, Ford and Chevrolet that line every street, highway and parking mall, the compact size of the two series makes little visible missing the majority of his colleagues users of the road.

Line 2 of the series launched in 2014 as a way for BMW to expand and simplify its stable of entry-level cars. 2-Series grew out of the serial line 1; 1 Series coupe was replaced by two-Series coupe, it follows that the convertible version will also be replaced with an updated model.

2015, the convertible gets the same of tin above release configuration options with a turbo four-cylinder powered 228th (the same engine the 428th) and fruity, six-cylinder, twin-turbo with 326hp M235i. Both are available with the option xDrive all-wheel drive, even if the M235i will not be available for several months.

What we're flashing through the countryside in Texas is the 228th, with a simple 245hp, which seems like a lot, given the rain need much, but very unexpected Austin knows. We were warned that the police told them of our presence and seek to accelerate foreigners. Given that five of them were at our morning briefing, chatting with each other on the number of weapons of great power they have and how much practice they had to shoot moving targets, we are closely the speedometer.

2-Series has a smaller target for law enforcement to block a bead on - and it's spicy, too. BMW said the 228th with optional eight-speed Steptronic car go through the 100kph mark in six seconds and hit a top speed of 250kph. For fans who like a real driving manual, the six-speeder adds a 10th of a second in the sprint to 100kph and increases fuel consumption by about 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers in everyday driving.

In terms of pace, you will never really the difference. But eight reports in a compact car seems excessive, and although I understand that the ramp through the low speed gear reduces fuel consumption and reduced emissions, the result is that the performance actually does not feel as alert as strength manual.

Maybe people who prefer books disappear from the face of the earth, but a small car with a robust engine really begs to be driven hard. H model change is what a pleasant thing to grasp the neck skin and walk through a winding mountain road.

But you do not twist the neck of the car to really enjoy the atmosphere and the high quality finish. The driving position is excellent - something BMW tends to the right in most of its cars - and a longer wheelbase, wider body and an increase in the total length to add a touch more space and comfort who has been absent Series 1. There is a good amount of space in advance for the driver and front passenger, but the rear perches are tight, knee room is at a premium and a right and thick walls file (presumably to accommodate the mechanics of the roof) are not designed for long runs. The folding of the file to load trap long pieces of luggage otherwise lead people in the back.

BMW 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:04:00 +0000

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer confirmed for U.S. launch early next year.

Public debut likely to occur in Geneva this March

BMW North America president and CEO Ludwig Willisch told Edmunds a production version of the Concept Active Tourer will be introduced in the United States at the beginning of next year.
The car he was referring to can be seen in these spy photos we posted back in December. It will be a very interesting BMW since it will adopt a front-wheel drive layout and will probably be one of the most family-oriented models ever, especially since it will likely be offered with an optional seven-seat layout. Ludwig Willisch says the Active Tourer production version will target those customers who are "looking for versatility that matches his or her lifestyle."
The name of this all-new model has not been disclosed but most likely it will wear the 2-Series Active Tourer moniker and will probably be shown for the first time in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in Europe later this year. It will be a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and will ride on the UKL platform also used by the new MINI so it will have just about the same engines.
Edmunds mentions all-wheel drive will still be available while (at least) the US-spec model will be offered with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine working together with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Source: edmunds.com

BMW changes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 09:01:00 +0000

BMW works on hands-free lane changes.

LAS VEGAS -- In a bid to commercialize hands-free cars, BMW AG and supplier Continental AG are preparing a large-scale road test involving dozens of vehicles.

The goal is a production vehicle that can change lanes without the driver's intervention. Such vehicles are likely to enter dealer showrooms in three to five years.

The test, which will be conducted early next year, will occur over a 500-kilometer (311-mile) route from Germany over the Alps to Italy, says Werner Huber, BMW's project manager of driver, assistance and environmental perception.

"We will build a prototype car which can be cloned into 10, 20, 50, maybe 100 cars," Huber said. "That is what we are working on."

BMW's plan for a fleet test signals a new step forward in development of hands-free vehicles. And if past trends hold true, lane-changing technology will trickle down from luxury cars to the mass market.

BMW's test fleet of cars will accelerate, brake and change lanes without the driver's help for lengthy stretches at speeds ranging up to 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph).

Production vehicles would employ this technology at lower speeds, such as in stop-and-start highway traffic. Most likely, BMW would offer this technology as an improved version of its existing driver assistance package.

Luxury brands typically offer a "driver assistance" option that includes intelligent cruise control with automatic braking, lane-keeping and 360-degree road surveillance.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi offer driver assistance options ranging from $1,900 to $3,200.

Vehicles equipped with a driver assistance package can accelerate, brake and stay within a highway lane at low speeds without the driver's intervention. But those vehicles are not designed to change lanes.

BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and others are racing to add that function, which is viewed as the next logical step for hands-free driving.

Hands-free lane-changing could allow vehicles to avoid accidents and pass vehicles in stop-and-go highway traffic.

But there are two major barriers.

The first hurdle is technological: Sensors must monitor the entire 360-degree field around the vehicle. To do so, automakers are tinkering with various combinations of radar, lidar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Lidar uses lasers to measure distances.

The second hurdle is legal: In the European Union, the Vienna convention requires the motorist to be in charge of the vehicle at all times. The United States has similar regulations.

This isn't a big problem for hands-free driving as long as the car remains in one lane. But it gets tricky when the car changes lanes, says Alejandro Vukotich, Audi AG's chief of driver assistance systems.

"The driver must always be in charge of what is happening," Vukotich noted.

Vukotich believes lane-change technology will win approval because it's a useful safety feature. If cockpit sensors determine that the motorist is drowsy or incapacitated, the vehicle could steer itself to a safe stop by the side of the road.

"We intend to bring [this technology] to market in the next five years, and we are doing everything we can to prepare," Vukotich said. "We are very, very focused on that."

Christian Senger, Continental AG's senior vice president of automotive technology says the focus now is to develop technology that consumers actually use.

"It isn't new to have autonomous vehicles on the road," Senger said. "The question is how to put these vehicles on real roads for real consumers."

BMW- Electric Car 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 03:57:00 +0000

Electric cars in 2014: Should I wait or should I buy?

Since we’re at an embryonic stage of electric technology as a mass market transport solution, every year will hold surprises. This year, however, looks to be the most intriguing and difficult to predict yet.

Volkswagen, Mercedes and BMW will join the electric car race in 2014, which tells us quite a bit. These brands are not in the habit of dropping dud models into the market, and, while there is an element of toe-dipping in each company’s offering, each car is the result of a multi-billion euro investment and, in some cases, the creation of an entirely new brand. These companies recognize that electricity has a big part to play in future personal mobility, or electro-mobility, and will start to wield their considerable financial and R&D strength.

Recently established players like the Nissan-Renault, Tesla and GM will need to keep innovating (and adopting aggressive pricing strategies) to keep up.

We’ve already covered the new electric cars arriving in 2014, but what else does this year hold for those who want smooth, quiet, zero emissions transport on their driveway?

Will electric cars go further in 2014?

This year is unlikely to see notable improvements in electric vehicle range, with most models continuing to hover around 85 miles range. Even significant new cars such as the Volkswagen e-Golf, due late this year, will likely manage only 90 miles range in the real world, although Mercedes insists the B-Class Electric Drive is capable of more than 110 miles.

At the top of the market Tesla will continue to offer the Model S as well as introducing the Model X SUV. Both will be capable of more than 250 miles on a single charge, comfortably more than the opposition, but at a price north of $70,000.

As battery technology remains uncomfortably expensive, then, range anxiety will continue to hamper electric vehicle sales in 2014, although some makers will overcome the problem by using range extenders. BMW, for example, will offer the electric i3 with a small two-cylinder gasoline engine that generates electricity to recharge the battery on the move. This doubles range, but means your i3 is no longer purely electric while the damage is more than $45,000. The Chevrolet Volt and luxury Cadillac ELR use similar technology to boost range while powering the cars’ wheels solely by electricity.

Will electric cars cost less in 2014?

Depending on your taste, yes. Last year saw significant price cuts on the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan LEAF, as well as discounted lease offers for the Chevrolet Spark EV and the smart electric drive. While electric vehicle sales are rising at an increasing rate, the trend is still slow enough that makers will often use drastic offers to stimulate demand. Only last month Mitsubishi took $6,000 off the price of a new i-MiEV. Electric car buyers will still receive a $7,500 federal tax credit and any state incentives, too, so if you’re in the right place certain models can be had for relatively little.

On the other hand, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen will be entering the market with premium electric cars that will command a suitably steep price tag. The BMW i3 and Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive will both start at more than $40,000, while the Volkswagen eGolf won’t be far behind. None of these cars go significantly further than cheaper rivals, and buyers will be paying for a premium German brand rather than any improved hardware.

This year may be a good time to pick up a deal, but 2016 remains the most anticipated year in the young history of modern electric cars, when both GM and Tesla could release cars with 200 miles range for around $30,000.

Will electric car charging get any faster in 2014?

We won’t see any ground-breaking technology become mainstream, no, but access to charging stations will continue to improve dramatically. The number of public charging stations in the US grew by 30 percent in 2013, totaling around 6,800 (map here), and the next step will be to get more workplace access for electric car owners.

Access to fast charging stations will improve too, and Nissan is currently in the process of installing more than 500 DC fast chargers in the US (there were around 150 chargers at this time last year), which are capable of charging the LEAF with 60 miles range in under half an hour. To put that into perspective, the AC Level 2 chargers many electric car owners install in their homes charge at between 10 and 20 miles each hour. Other organizations, such as CHAdeMO, will also expand their DC charger infrastructure in North America.

Inductive, or wireless, charging will also become more of a reality, whether it’s in the form of man hole-covers doubling up as charge points for parked electric cars or entire wireless infrastructure likes the one used by certain buses in South Korea.

Will electric cars be less boring in 2014?

Yes. Here’s one reason to start with, and here’s another. Moreover, with the rise of Tesla and the likely success of BMW i, car companies are realizing that their electric cars have to exciting. As a result we’ve recently seen Nissan reveal the Le Mans-inspired Blade Glider, since confirmed for production, and shouldn’t forget just how innovative the carbon fiber BMW i3 is, either.

Should I buy an electric car in 2014?

With no significant development in battery range and little real change in prices, unless you’ve been promoted the answer is unlikely to differ from last year. There will, however, be an unprecedented choice of electric cars in 2014, so start asking yourself whether you have a driveway or garage to charge in and whether you’re daily commute is less than 60 miles. If the answer to both is yes, all we can say is that very few EV owners regret their decision.

BMW i8 Advanced...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 09:48:00 +0000

This is How the BMW i8′s Advanced Powertrain Works.

BMW recently released an informative video describing the advanced laser light technology available on the brand new BMW i8 hybrid sports car. Now, the German automaker has been kind enough to release another similar clip this time looking at the performance and drivetrain features of the company’s most advanced road car.

First and foremost, the BMW i8 features an aluminium Drive module incorporating a traditional internal combustion engine, two electric motors, a battery as well as all the electronics. That traditional engine is a mid-mounted 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain pumping out an impressive 231 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels.

However, BMW wasn’t entirely satisfied with those figures and also fitted an electric motor up front which on its own produces 131 hp and 184 lb-ft of instantly available torque. As a result, the BMW i8 produces a total of 362 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque and is good for a sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Fortunately, BMW didn’t focus all their energy on the powertrain and spent a considerable amount of time ensuring the BMW i8 is lightweight. This aim has been achieved thanks to a carbon fiber module making up part of the chassis and weighing 50% less than steel. As a result of this and BMW’s incredible engineers, the BMW i8 achieves a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

cont...^^

BMW i8, key innovation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 14:02:00 +0000

KEY LOOK LIKE SMARTPHONE:

BMW i8 Key Looks Like A Mini Smartphone

BMW’s new electric supercar, the BMW i8 will go on sale next year, this cool EV is already sold out for 2014, and now we have some details on the new BMW i8 key fob.

Key fobs are not normally the sort of thing we feature on the site, but this one looks a lot cooler than you standard car key fob, sort of like a mini smartphone, and it will display information on the new BMW i8.

The photos below were posted online by Bimmerfile and it will provide information on the charging status of your BMW i8, which will include the time on charge and the distance the vehicle can travel before it needs to be recharged or refueled.

BMW i8 key alert

The BMW i8 features a hybrid petrol and electric engine, the petrol engine and the car is capable of to 60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds and can deliver around 113 miles per gallon.

BMW SERIES SHOWCASE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:39:00 +0000

showcase of bmw in detroit..

SEE THE 2 SERIES, M3, M4 AT THE 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT

DECEMBER 15, 2013

The BMW 2 Series Coupe, an entirely new model series and successor to the 1 Series Coupe, as well as the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe, the latest chapter in the history of high-performance sports cars from BMW M, will make their world debuts at the 2014 North American International Auto Show on Monday, January 13, at the BMW Stand at COBO Center, One Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226. English and Spanish speaking BMW representatives will be available for interviews throughout the day. In addition, BMW will feature the all-electric BMW i3, the plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8, BMW X1, and the BMW Z4 in Ivory White Burnt Sienna.

Continuing the decades-long tradition of premium, compact Coupes with impeccable driving dynamics, the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe is designed with significantly larger dimensions than its predecessor, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, and will be offered as both a 228i and M235i, which is the first BMW M Performance Automobile to be offered in the US. The BMW 2 Series Coupe has unmistakable BMW handling attributes and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, and sophisticated chassis technology. Double-pivot spring strut front suspension and five-link rear suspension feature tuning tailored to each 2 Series model, while variable sport steering, M Sport braking system and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers are all

standard on the M235i in the US and optional on the 228i. Dynamic Stability Control system including Dynamic Traction Control with an electronic locking function for the rear axle is standard; M Performance mechanical limited slip differential will be available for the BMW M235i Coupe through the BMW M Performance Accessories range. The 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe will launch in the US in 2014 Q1 with a base MSRP of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including $925 Destination and Handling fee.

Making world debuts together in Detroit, the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and first-ever BMW M4 Coupe are examples of the legendary BMW M engineering discipline which emphasizes a synthesis of motorsport technology with unrestricted daily driving versatility. World-class engine and powertrain technologies, along with intelligent lightweight vehicle construction through extensive use of exotic construction materials, add to the intensity of the M feeling and driving experience. The extensive weight-reduction efforts of the BMW M engineers should not be underlooked; the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 are the first BMW M cars to see a reduction in curb weight from one generation to the next. Both models are equipped with an all-new 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and increased performance levels that distinguish them from previous generations of the M3 family, delivering 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Both the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds when equipped with the optional M-DCT transmission. By setting new segment standards in terms of dynamics, agility, precise handling and emotional design, the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe have set the benchmark for the high-performance segment created by the M3 many years ago.

The BMW i3 is the first fully electric vehicle from BMW Group under BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary concept vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. With a hybrid-synchronous electric motor delivering170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving. The BMW i3 will offer interior space comparable to the legendary BMW 3 Series on a shorter overall body. Its low 32.3-foot turning circle and a relatively long wheelbase make it agile and engaging to drive, ideally suited to driving in dense urban areas. As perhaps the most sustainably-manufactured passenger car in the world, the story of the i3’s production process is equally compelling. Available in 2014 Q2, the BMW i3 will have a base MSRP of $41,350 and the range-extender model will have a starting MSRP of $45,200 (excludes Destination & Handling fee).

The BMW i8 is the first plug-in hybrid 2+2 sports car from BMW Group. It will join BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary vehicles which are purpose built from the ground up as electric and hybrid electric and constructed primarily from lightweight carbon fiber through sustainable processes. Coming to the market in 2014 Q2 and priced at $135,700 (excludes Destination & Handling fee), the BMW i8 features an award-winning design with sleek, low slung looks and operates with extremely low fuel consumption (est. up to 94 mpg) and emissions output. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds on the way to an electronically-governed top speed of 155 mph.

With new further refinement inside and out, the BMW X1 will continue to affirm its position as The Ultimate Driving Machine in its segment. In the spring of 2014, the compact BMW X1 is raising the standard for this segment with eye-catching exterior accents, a further-refined interior ambience and innovative equipment features. The BMW X1 is currently available at an MSRP of $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling).

Classic BMW Roadster proportions, sophisticated engine and drivetrain technology, and innovative equipment features highlight the character of the BMW Z4. The new equipment package known as Ivory White Burnt Sienna refines the interior of the BMW Z4 to intensify the character of the car, adding further aesthetic appeal to the open-top experience. The various exclusive colors and materials are available expressions of sporty luxury and are embellished with precision seams, surfaces, and stitching that bring harmony to the design of the interior. The package includes extended premium

Nappa leather trim, specially finished sport seats in Ivory White with contrasting brown stitching that highlights the perforated surface of the contoured side supports in the seat backs. For the first time, as an exclusive touch and only in combination with the Ivory White Burnt Sienna package, the BMW Z4 can be ordered with Sparking Brown Metallic paint finish.

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BMW New Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 13:28:00 +0000

TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGIES.

Standard in every BMW produced today.

BMW Efficient-Dynamics stands for the noticeable reduction of consumption and emissions with a simultaneous increase in performance and driving pleasure. Intelligent energy management and lightweight construction as well as aerodynamics and engine efficiency measures mean sustainable mobility is already standard in every BMW. Further innovations are new engine types like BMW Active-Hybrid and the BMW e-Drive concept.

BMW i developed new ideas in electro-mobility using the guiding principle of BMW Efficient-Dynamics and applying many already existing technologies.

BMW e-DRIVE.

The intelligent and dynamic way to drive electrically.

A completely new dimension of driving pleasure: the drive concept BMW e-Drive boasts impressive dynamics and, when driven in purely electrical mode, is emission-free locally. The newly-developed synchronous electric motor dazzles with enormous torque that remains constant from acceleration to maximum speed – for sustainable mobility with overwhelming agility.

LITHIUM-ION HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY.

All vehicles with BMW eDrive technology derive energy for electrical driving from a sensational high-tech electrical battery. The powerful lithium-ion high-performance batteries are combines with a cooling system that keeps the battery at an optimal operating temperature and thus increases performance and life expectancy. The battery can be recharged wherever electricity is available: a regular 220 volt socket is sufficient to supply the battery with fresh energy.

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