- Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Crossover, Audi, BMW, Canada
Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Audi launched the TT RS, we were initially told that the automaker had no plans to bring it to the States. And while rumors have cropped up that suggest otherwise, we still don't have the official word from Audi about whether we'll ever get the chance to experience the 335-horsepower TT. However, our friends to the north can apparently rejoice - Audi will reportedly be bringing the TT RS to Canada, albeit in very limited numbers (250 units, to be exact). It is not yet clear whether those 250 units will be in coupe or convertible form - or both.
Additionally, Monvolant reports that Canadian consumers will be able to spec a rear-wheel drive BMW X1 when the crossover goes on sale next year - a configuration that will not be available in the States. Canada is likely to only receive X1s equipped with BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six, good for around 260 horsepower.
We aren't very upset about the fact that U.S.-spec X1s will only have all-wheel drive. However, if Audi is going to tease us by bringing 250 examples of the too-hot TT to this continent, the least it could do is spec a few for U.S. (or just Autoblog) consumption. Thanks for the tip, Martin!
[Source: Monvolant (translated)]Report: Audi TT RS headed to Canada in limited numbers, as is rear-drive BMW X1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Performance, BMW, Luxury
If there's one thing that's certain in this crazy world, it's that Ultimate Driving Machines are driven by their rear wheels. Sure, there's an occasional all-wheel-drive model thrown in for good measure, but even those revert to the tried-and-true RWD when extra traction from the front two contact patches isn't deemed necessary or desirable. Well, alert the media (oh, wait...): BMW has confirmed the rumors that it will build front-wheel-drive automobiles.
At the Annual Accounts Press Conference for 2010, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW, had this to say:
[The small car] segment is expected to grow further. And we will take advantage of this opportunity. We are exploring the possibility of developing a joint architecture for the front and four-wheel drive systems of these cars. In other words: There will be front-wheel drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future.
Heresy, BMW fans? We wouldn't worry too much - there seems little chance that BMW will make a wholesale switch from powering the rear wheels to the fronts, especially for its mainstream models like the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series - but the addition of a FWD chassis will make it easier for the automaker to share platforms with other companies and to "reduce [its] fleet's carbon-emissions worldwide by at least another 25 percent between 2008 and 2020."
In fact, take it from Reithofer himself:
BMW will continue to be a sport-inspired brand. We at the BMW Group continue to deliver maximum performance, tackle new challenges and sharpen our competitive edge.
Click past the break for the complete text of Reithofer's speach.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW confirms plans for front-wheel-drive models
BMW confirms plans for front-wheel-drive models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., BMW
BMW M Bike - Click above for high-res image
There aren't a lot of automakers also making motorcycles. Honda, Suzuki, Peugeot, BMW... along with Triumph once upon a time and Yamaha dabbling in the automotive consultancy business. That just about covers it. But there are plenty churning out branded bicycles, and Bimmer's M division is the latest.
The 28-pound cycle is based on a sleek aluminum frame, available in three sizes and coated in matte anthracite paint. It's topped by a leather fi'zi:k saddle with a red inlay and fitted with a Manitou Match front suspension fork, Shimano SLX gear system - what, no dual-clutch transmission? - and disc brakes front and rear.
The BMW M Bike will only be made in limited quantities starting in June from select dealership and www.bmw-shop.com. Just don't expect dealers to begin giving them away free with the purchase of a new X3 like Volkswagen did with Trek. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW M division cranks out a human-powered bike
BMW M division cranks out a human-powered bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury
BMW 5 Series Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just as the new sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan goes on sale in Europe, a new station wagon variant has been unveiled. Like past editions of the 5 Series Touring, this one is essentially the same as the sedan, only with the roof extending straight back to enclose a substantially larger cargo area.
All of the fancy new technology that we've already seen in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and sedan is carried over into the Touring. That includes the driver assistance systems like the surround-view cameras and parking assist. Underhood, BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 won't be available at launch, but a selection of gas and diesel four- and six cylinder engines will be offered. The range-topping 535i is powered by the new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter N55 twin-scroll turbo direct-injected inline-six.
Single-turbo versions of the 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter inline-six diesels are also available with 184 hp and 245 hp respectively. The four-cylinder 520d Touring gets an EU combined fuel economy rating of 45.2 miles per gallon (U.S.) with the 530d also scoring an impressive 36.8 mpg.
Unfortunately, it seems extremely unlikely that we will ever get to see any of these handsome new wagons given Americans' ongoing aversion to this body style. We'll just be forced to make do with the homelier-looking 5 Series Gran Turismo. Click past the jump to check out new video footage of the 5 series Touring.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/video]
Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Luxury
Rumors of a front-wheel drive model to slot in below the 1 Series have been circulating for some time, with the most recent report coming last October. Now, Autocar has confirmed with BMW's chairman, Norbert Reithofe, that an all-new model is coming from the automaker, designed to compete with the recently introduced Audi A1 and built atop the next generation Mini's platform.
However, the unsurprising introduction of a new premium sub-compact won't just be limited to BMW - Reithofer told Autocar that, "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants." The exec also took pains to differentiate the new Bimmer from the upcoming Mega City EV, saying that this new model is being developed for both front- and all-wheel drive applications, and that the new urban runabout is a separate endeavor.
Combined with the next Mini, due out as early as 2013, the automaker wants to become more than a bit player in the compact class, and in order to keep volumes of scale in check, the new FWD BMW is likely to be built alongside its Mini counterpart in Oxford.
Plans for a revamped 1 Series are also in the works, but the automaker hasn't determined whether the next 1er will be rear- or front-wheel drive. Regardless, the introduction of BMW's first FWD model signals a significant shift, but as long as the brand's patented driving dynamics are present and accounted for, it's hardly the end of the world.
[Source: Autocar]Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Performance, Videos, BMW, Motorcycle, Humor
BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trick - Click above to watch the video after the break
Ah yes, the good ol' pull-the-tablecloth-off-the-table-without-sending-dishes-flying routine. The oldest trick in the book? Possibly, but BMW has taken it upon themselves to update the classic demonstration in a major way. How 'bout upping the ante with 24 complete place settings around a giant rectangular table? Yeah, that'd do it.
Just how is BMW planning to remove said tablecloth? Using a new S 1000 RR superbike, that's how. Will it work? Well, it's really a question of physics, right? Take 193 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time that's just shy of 2.9 seconds. Add in one rider with a quick set of wrists and shake well. Garnish with celebratory wheelie.
We highly recommend that you click past the break to see it all go down on video. It's very much worth your time.
[Source: BMW via YouTube]Continue reading Video: BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trick
Video: BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW
BMW M5 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
It seems that the 2011 BMW M5 is nearing production-ready status, and while the new supersedan may still be wearing a bit of swirly camouflage, it's easy to see what the more aggressive M5 will look like in its new F10 5 Series body.
As we've mentioned earlier, the 2011 M5 is expected to ditch the outgoing car's high-revving V10 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 borrowed from the X5 M and X6 M. Currently, that engine kicks out 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but if the rumormill is to be believed, BMW's M division has cranked out some extra punch for the M5, to the tune of 578 hp and 530 lb-ft. That means 0-60 mph runs should happen in under 4.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph. As for transmissions, we'll bet our last dollar that the M5 will use a dual-clutch setup, and we're still crossing our fingers that a proper manual transmission will find its way into the cards as well.
Expect the production-ready M5 to debut later this year (Paris Motor Show?) or in the very early months of 2011. In the meantime, click through the attached gallery to see all of the high-res spy shots.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M5 shows off more of its new skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW
2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery
The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.
Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.
So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.
[Source: Inside Line]Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Racing
BMW Motorsport Z4 GT3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Late last year we told you that BMW would be creating a race-ready Z4 GT3 for customers who participate in motorsports, and we now have official images of the too-hot Z4 in all of its glory. We've always liked the styling of the Z4-based coupes, and this GT3 spec is certainly a looker.
BMW has shoehorned the M3's 4.0-liter V8 under the hood of the Z4 GT3, and when managed by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the high-revving V8 cranks out a whopping 480 horsepower, and a six-speed sequential gearbox sends all of that power to the rear wheels. ABS and central-locking wheels are standard, and for consumers who want an extra touch of civilization, air conditioning is optional.
BMW will be offering the Z4 GT3 to consumers in the second half of this year, with an estimated price of around 298,000 Euro (that's over $405,000 based on current exchange rates). Hit the jump for the official words from BMW Motorsport.
[Source: BMW Motorsport]Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 is the V8-powered Z4 M you can race
BMW Z4 GT3 is the V8-powered Z4 M you can race originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW
Hamann Tycoon EVO M - Click above for high-res image gallery
We'll come clean. Collectively, we spend an unexpected amount time repeating the following sentence, "As much as I know I shouldn't, I love the BMW X6. I know it's wrong, I know. But it's just a great car." But you know what makes less sense than the X6? The X6 M. That car's stone cold crazy. Therefore we like it even more than the regular flavor SAC (Sports Activity Coupe). Have you met our friend Hamann?
For the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Hamann brought along its new Tycoon EVO M. And... it's quite bonkers.The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been pumped up to the tune of 670 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque. For comparison's sake, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce's mighty 6.5-liter V12 produces 670 hp - exactly the same amount as the Hamann Tycoon EVO M. Crazy, no? Oh, also, the mightiest ever Lambo makes 89 lb-ft of torque less than this mental patient Hamann.
Then there's the little matter of the carbon fiber. Look, we're all for saving precious pounds but keep it real for a minute. Before Hamann got their filthy mitts all over it, the X6 M weighed in at 5,324 pounds. Lord (and Hamann) only knows what it weighs now. And since we're keeping it real, shaving a few pounds off the front end of an over-powered beast like the Tycoon is killing a mouse with the 101st Airborne. In other words, the carbon fiber hood and splitter is nothing but blingy, look-at-me bunting. And since we're ragging on conspicuous displays of too much wealth, Tycoon? Really? That said, we've never seen 23-inch wheels look so perfectly at home.
Geneva 2010: Hamann Tycoon EVO M more powerful than mightiest Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
The Shunk, Nunez, Abuelsamid and Roth quartet reconvene for Episode #168 of the Autoblog Podcast with the Geneva Motor Show now underway. Our first order of business is a stop at the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by the Suzuki Kizashi, Kia Sorento, BMW 750Li, and Cadillac SRX. Anticipating the massive auto show that's just about to start, we dive right in. Starting us off is the awesome electric-green Lamborghini 570-4 Superleggera. Jumping from Italian exotics to the ultimate SUV, we talk about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne before segueing cleanly into a discussion of the crack-pipe pricing for the Volkswagen Touareg hybrid. Before we leave the VW/Porsche sphere, we talk about how insanely cool the Porsche 918 Spyder concept car is. The Ford Focus station wagon is one of those things we'll see in Geneva, but likely not in the U.S., while the Lexus CT200h is making its way to the shores of North America. BMW's 5 Series Active Hybrid Concept keeps up the cavalcade of alternative propulsion by the big Swiss lake, and it's our last topic before calling it a night. Thanks for listening!
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve
Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, BMW
BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The dispersion of BMW's ActiveHybrid - and conjoined word - initiative continues with the 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept. Billed as a "future-oriented full-hybrid model in the upper midrange segment" it boils down to the turbocharged inline-six you love and along with a 53-horsepower electric motor you will learn to love working through an eight-speed auto 'box for the middle-management set. They'll get 10-percent more distance for the gallon, and a squirt of instant boost thanks to those hard working electrons. Follow the jump for the goss on the ActiveHybrid evolution, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Continue reading Geneva 2010: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept
Geneva 2010: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Diesel, Luxury
BMW 5 Series GT by AC Schnitzer - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Schnitzer boys have waved wands over the BMW 530d GT, giving it a little more power and a lot more cosmetics. Under the hood is a modest power bump from 245 horsepower to 286, but torque numbers have been omitted so we're supposing there's no change there. If that is indeed the case, color us a wee bit surprised that no more twist was extracted from the torque-tastic oil-burner from Bavaria.
Outside and inside, though, changes abound: an AC Schnitzer engine cover and hood vents, skirts and spoilers everywhere, new rear silencer and chrome trim, aluminum pedals and footrest, plus AC-branded velours for the floor mats and trunk. And to keep you from ridin' dirty there's an AC Schnitzer spring kit and the firm's trademark wheels. Follow the jump for the complete specs, and take in the full view in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: AC Schnitzer]
Continue reading AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT
AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Videos, Audi, BMW
Click above to watch the video after the jump
Good, we were hoping BMW would answer the latest challenge from Audi in the online battle of boast. Audi started up again the dormant war of words between these two German automakers a couple weeks ago by patting itself on the back for winning three Car and Driver comparisons in a row, and now BMW is striking back by bragging about its mixture of efficiency and vehicle dynamics sans compromises.
Hit the jump to watch the 1:25 video for yourself. Unfortunately, Team Motor Werks didn't get to throwing down with Audi until the very end of the spot, which takes place in an elementary school classroom. And even when the guys and gals at BMW took their swing, we're afraid it just grazes the four-ringed chin of its luxury car rival. Let us know which automaker you think scored the more direct blow by chiming in on the post-jump comments.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom
Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Classics, Auctions, BMW
1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia "Büegelfalte" - Click above for high-res image gallery
Built for the five years before WWII, BMW's sleek 328 roadster is coveted for both its beauty and rarity. Fewer than five hundred were made, and the car featured an advanced tube frame chassis, independent front suspension and a 2.0-liter inline-6 producing 80 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but the 328 weighed just 1830 pounds and could top 100 mph.
The car you see here is a one-off 328 roadster built specifically to race in the 1940 Mille Miglia. In an effort to improve the car's performance, BMW designer Wilhelm Mayrhofer created an especially lightweight and aerodynamic body welded to the tube frame, allowing the engine and drivetrain to sit lower for a better center of gravity. Its design influence can be felt even today, specifically with the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia Concept Coupe.
Seized by the Russians after WWII, the 328 Mille Miglia Büegelfalte spent several years in Eastern Europe, although it was in BMW's care for many years as well. The current owner purchased the car in 2001, and is now offering it for sale at RM's Monaco auction on May 1. Hit the jump for more details on the car or browse through the beautiful high-res gallery below.
[Source: RM Auctions | Photos (C)2010 Peter Raider]Continue reading Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction
Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'BMW' Category
Friday, November 6th, 2009
BMW, Rumormill, Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance
Will the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Auto Express, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.
Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain. A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.
Other unique bits that were could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells AE that the car’s hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) .
If there’s any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market. We’ll see.
Posted in World Cars, BMW, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, February 5th, 2009
Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Time Warp, Tuners, BMW
When BMW rolled out the new 6 Series coupe in 2003, it reconnected with a nameplate that had laid dormant for some 14 years. The original 6-Series, produced between 1976 and 1989, earned itself a cult following and iconic status, epitomized by the 635CSi. Some apparently feel that the current 6 doesn’t pay enough homage to the original. The people at Racer X Design count themselves in that camp, and are evidently hoping there are more like-minded enthusiasts… with cash.
Racer X Design has caught our attention before with some arresting concepts, including the KC-427 and the RZ Formula. The RZ-M6, however, takes the existing 6 Series and retros it up a bit, in turn paying a bit of homage to BMW’s own M1 Hommage concept. The modified body panels would also widen the coupe by an extra 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance to go along with the tribute styling. Of course, Racer X Design needs to attract some potential customers to bring the RZ-M6 to life, but it’s already a few steps closer to reality than the studio’s previous projects. Check it out in the gallery below and read the full press release after the jump.
Posted in World Cars, BMW, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, May 1st, 2008
Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows
BMW’s supercar icon, the M1, blew out the candles at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este this weekend. In honor of the car’s thirtieth birthday, BMW rolled out the new BMW M1 Hommage, a concept/design study that pays tribute to the original M1 and shows what could be possible if BMW were to produce a new mid-engined sports car. Follow the jump for the breakdown.
[Source: BMW]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, BMW, Concept Cars, Supercars | No Comments »
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., BMW
The Wiesmann GT is about to get a mad, bad engine to match its mad, bad looks. Available since inception with BMW’s 362 HP V8 that gets it to the six-oh in 4.6, the niche maker from Muenster is said to be considering a variant that hides the M-edition five-liter V10. If Wiesmann didn’t alter the car in any way, it would be an instant boost of 148 HP for a car that weighs quite a bit less than 3,000 pounds. That would raise its performance — and its handling — from ‘more than adequate’ to ‘absolute nutter.’ There’s a chance the car could do its first meet-and-greet at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month.
[Source: Motor Authority]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
Monday, August 27th, 2007
Filed under: Green, BMW
BMW has found another way to tweak mileage and CO2 output levels through its Efficient Dynamics program. In this case, its efforts were spent on a revised gearbox for the Z4. While past efforts have included the adoption of formerly hybrid-only technology like regenerative braking, an Automatic Engine Start/Stop System, and even full-on hybrid research, this latest move is a lot more conventional.
The technology being shown on the Z4 illustrate how little changes can add up when combined. By using a new, more efficient rear transaxle, the Z4 is able to record lower CO2 emissions levels and better economy. The improvements can be seen on all six-cylinder Z4s except the Z4 M, with a typical improvement of 1-2 percent across the board. Again, it’s not much, but definitely a move in the right direction. Four cylinder cars get other changes to their engines that result in similar improvements. All of these eco tweaks will go into effect on cars being produced starting next month.
[Source: Autocar]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
