BMW – Page 25 – Automobiles Review

BMW xDrive Technology Featured in the New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW continues to progress and develop in the field of drive technology. With its intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive, first used in the BMW X3 and the X5 in 2004, the manufacturer adds a high degree of functionality, improved cornering dynamics and tries to achieve minimum fuel consumption and low emission levels.

Now, the most recent example of model-specific alignment of the four-wheel drive system is served by the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer models. The most cardinal difference when it comes to previous variants and the last ones is that, for the first time, BMW xDrive is used on a front-wheel drive concept with transversely installed engines.

With the BMW 225i xDrive Active Tourer (combined fuel consumption of 6,5–6,4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 152-148 g/km) and the BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer (combined fuel consumption of 4,8-4,6 l/100km with CO2 emissions of 127-122 g/km), the intelligent four-wheel drive system is now available for top-notch power units. Both BMW vehicles are equipped with BMW xDrive as standard in combination with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

What the xDrive system does is utilizing an energy-efficient operating strategy which enables the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer to be driven only via the front wheels. And since, in this case, BMW is really about compactness, convenience and practicality, in order to make use of additional saving potentials, the manufacturer has given the multiple-disk clutch a spring-loaded Efficient valve. It decreases the oil level in the clutch and reduces friction losses (oil splash losses).

Furthermore, thanks to the Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC), which analysis, collects and provides an information about the running condition, any possible wheel slip, for instance, is detected at an early stage. Additionally, the xDrive manages and directs excess force to the front wheels in case the rear of the vehicle turns outwards. This ensures an ultimate four-wheel performance which is possible even before the occurance of any swerves. In consequence, xDrive featured in the BMW 220d Active Tourer and BMW 225i Active Tourer provides with better traction, more safety in different road conditions and enhances the vehicle stability, cornering dynamics and ride comfort.

Source: BMW

November 27, 2014

BMW 3-Series Plug-in Hybrid Prototype Unveiled

During the Group Innovation Days 2014, BMW has revealed its extremely good-looking 3-Series plug-in hybrid saloon. At this stage it is only a prototype which, I believe, will not stay just as a prototype but will undergo an official production in the future.

The plug-in 3-Series is equipped with an advanced plug-in hybrid technology already seen in the BMW’s i8 sports car, starting with an X5 eDrive in concept form. There is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine which works in combination with an electric motor. According to BMW, it will be able to provide the prototype with the same level of performances as a six-cylinder 3-Series.

The combined output of the system is 245 HP (180 kW) and a peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) transmitted to the wheels via an upgraded eight-speed Steptronic transmission. In terms of the fuel consumption, it is estimated at only 2 liters / 100 km (140 mpg UK or 117 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 50 g/km. The electric-only driving mode with a fully charged battery is considered to be about 22 miles (35 km), hitting a top speed of 74.5 mph (120 km/h).

The BMW 3-Series plug-in hybrid prototype is fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack. It is installed underneath the load compartment which is able to be charged from a normal household socket. Pretty convenient, isn’t it? What is more, the car features a Driving Experience Control switch placed on the center console. It offers the driver an option of COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO mode. Consequently, each mode changes the settings of the suspension, gearbox and the hybrid operating strategy.

What do you think though? Will we see the BMW plug-in 3-Series in the market any time soon?

Source: BMW

November 27, 2014

Vorsteiner GTRS4 Wide Body for the BMW M4

Vorsteiner always comes with one key goal – to create a design which will really become the quintessential design icon, representing the next-generation ultimate driving machine. The tuning company makes this possible by crafting a cutting-edge design that is so revolutionary and so innovative that succeeds in establishing new benchmarks. BMW has always had a central position in the heart of the tuner. With the new BMW M4 GTRS4 Vorsteiner once again has successfully tried to demonstrate an absolute idol among BMW automobiles which is regarded as representative symbol of audacity, craftsmanship and supremacy.

With the GTRS4 Vorsteiner marks and celebrates its 10 year anniversary. This BMW is a full lightweight carbon composite wide body conversion that is originally based on the 2015 BMW M4 coupe.

The team of specialists has worked to ensure that the improved wider fenders and wheels are functional and serve the best purpose possible. Vorsteiner also crafted air ducts for optimal cooling towards the front brakes, while focusing on aerodynamic ventilation for the inbound air to exit. The front fenders have a total span of 4 inches while the rear quarter panels is 7 inches wider than its previous form. The BMW M4 GTRS4 benefits from 3-Piece Forged wheels in 20×10.5J and 20×13.5J which are designed to match the 275 and 345 width tires.

The Special Edition GTRS4 Package Includes:

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper with an Integrated Front Splitter Element
Carbon Fiber Wide Front Fenders with Ventilation (2 inches wider each side)
Carbon Fiber Aero Side Blade Elements
Carbon Fiber Wide Rear Fenders (3.5 inches wider each side)
Carbon Fiber Rear Bumper with an Integrated Rear Diffuser Element
Vorsteiner 90mm Quad Exhaust Tip Finishers (Options: Brushed | Diamond Black)
Vorsteiner Embroidered Colored Floor & Trunk Mat Set • Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badging
GTRS4 Forged 3-Piece Wheels, 20×10.5J | 20×13.5J in Gloss Brushed Shadow

Technology Partners:

Pirelli Tires
KW Suspension
Brembo | Race Technologies
ESS Tuning
KI Studios
Gold & Co. London

Source: Vorsteiner

November 24, 2014

BMW is Getting Greener with Light and Charge Prototype

BMW continues with innovations and this time the company has prepared for us an innovative street lighting with integrated charging station for electric vehicles. It might seem futuristic, but in fact we sincerely hope to see this genius technology applied in the near future. The pilot project is dubbed Light and Charge and was part of the Eurocities conference in Munich. The car company will cooperate with the City of Munich in order to create an infrastructure of public charging stations. The pilot project will begin in the spring of 2015.

The prototype combines the latest LED technology with a usable connection way to charge the high-voltage batteries of the electric vehicles. The technology is integrated in the ChargeNow network of the electric BMW i series. In other words Light and Charge is simple and innovative solution which naturally integrates a reliable network of charging stations in the city.

Another benefit from the Light and Charge street lighting is the energy efficiency as well as the LED module’s higher luminous efficiency. In fact, up to four modules are enough to illuminate the lanes of major roads at night. One or two modules provide a pleasant light in the side streets and residential areas.

The used LED technology is similar to this one utilized in vehicle’s headlights. This means that it enables a particularly targeting of light rays. The next advantage is that with the development of the Light and Charge system, BMW signals for the future development of a comprehensive network of charging stations for electric vehicles.

Light and Charge units have a standard connector for EV’s charging cable. The integrated control panel allows the driver to start the charging procedure with just one click. ChargeNow already offers customers of BMW i access to worldwide around 18,000 charging stations.

Source: BMW

November 11, 2014

BMW i3 Gets More Personal with 3DDesign and Studie Thailand

3DDesign and Studie Thailand have collaborated for a special project including the intricate BMW i3. Being more individual than ever, the tuned i3 has been created with the single aim to push the boundaries of the chassis. The personalization of the car began with the styling changes, which include a new exterior color, called Fire Orange, as well as some contrasting graphics in black.

Inside, the same fiery color theme has been used for the set of Recaro LX-F seats. They were wrapped in a combination of orange leather and suede. The dash is in the same fire Orange featured to add more harmony in the overall design.

Next, the right height of the car was lowered by 20 mm. There is also an option for the i3 to be even lower (30 mm) to the ground thanks to the specifically created by Studie suspension setup. In addition, 3D Design created for the BMW more pronounced front lip spoiler and a roof spoiler. The result of this is more balance and perfect addition to the black MAK wheels.

Take a look at the front grille. When I saw it for the first time it looked familiar. Then I immediately though of the F chassis ///M cars. This is where Studie took inspiration and built a custom front grill set with integrated blue LED’s.

Although the i3 is electric, the tuners have made it possible for the driver and occupants to enjoy the BMW active sound in the cabin. The system produces a programmed soundtrack of an inline-six, V8, V10 or even a mighty V12 engine.

Source: 3DDesign via www.bmwblog.com

November 10, 2014

AC Schnitzer presents the BMW X4 in an outstandingly athletic version

Despite the continuous presence of BMW X4 on the market, there hasn’t been done a major overhaul until the German tuner company AC Schnitzer took on this ‘initiative’. With the improvements given by the tuner, the face of BMW X4 is changed. It receives an impressive athletic vision which shapes the car’s look like that of a real winner!

The enhancements include new aerodynamic parts like front spoiler, a new rear diffuser, carbon fiber mirror covers and a new rear skirt protection foil.

Apart from the aerodynamics and the wheels, AC Schnitzer has been working on improving some technical qualities as well. In consequence, BMW X4 20i (export version) delivers 245 hp and BMW X4 28i can go up to 294 hp. The winner among those models in terms of power, though, is the BMW X4 35i which can even amaze world championship judges with its mighty 360 hp.

On the diesel front there are some good enhancements as well. The diesel version comes with performance upgrades from 190 to 220 hp (in preparation) for the 20d, 309 hp for the xDrive30d and 360 hp for the xDrive35d. Initially, all performance updates have been developed on AC Schnitzer’s principle of “Efficient Performance.” In other words, that means that although the engine power is extended, the CO₂ emissions remain the same. So the CO₂ value per hp falls. All of them come with a two year warranty up to 100,000 km (62,000 miles).

The Aachen-based tuning professionals are fully aware that inner characteristics play a very crucial role for they raise the market value of a certain car. For this reason, AC Schnitzer completes the changes by providing the new BMW with pedal set and foot rest made of aluminum, the unique AC Schnitzer keyholder and the velours footmats. Along with this, the German tuner integrates a gear knob with digital gear display, illuminated leather gear knob and “Black Line” aluminium gear knob which highlight the sporty interior feel of BMW X4.

Source: AC Schnitzer

November 7, 2014

BMW M6 RS800 Gran Coupe by PP-Performance is World’s Fastest 6 Series [VIDEO]

BMW M6 RS800 Gran Coupe by PP-Performance can show more than 240 horsepower than the production M6 power. The reason for this almost unbelievable optimization is the work of the tuners at PP Performance, who wave optimized the engine and it now delivers 800 hp (588 kW) instead of 560 hp (413 kW). The first number means that this is the world’s fastest BMW 6 series.

The top speed stands at 328 kmph (203 mph) the new Newton metes measure 950 (production are 680 Nm). The customizing specialists have also added special downpipes, an Akrapovic titan exhaust system and BMC racing filters.

For the external appearance of the car took car professionals at Cam Shaft. They not only specialize in optimization of car hard and soft ware, but also highly professional process high tech foil in fields of car design. And now you get the reason why this RS800 shines brightly in exclusive Electric Lime.

Furthermore, it has to be mentioned that each PP-Performance power improvement solution has being developed and tested in Abu Dhabi. The reason is because of the dominating climate there and the daily highest temperatures above 50°C (122°F), the tuners are able to give the necessary stability guarantee. Enjoy the video below, it is worth it!

httpv://youtu.be/g3SoFVKFyiA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: PP-Performance

November 6, 2014

Created with Class, Designed as an Icon: Special Edition Vorsteiner GTRS4

In order to celebrate its 10 year anniversary, the American tuner car manufacturer Vorsteiner has created a special limited edition vehicle that has the enigmatic name of GTRS4. It becomes obvious from the released pictures, that the car will take the world out of its orbit and will shake it so hard that everything ordinary will drop on the ground. We see a legend! We see an icon! We see perfectness in extraordinary glare!

The upgraded vehicle is based on the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe and will feature carbon fiber body kit. The focus of the Vorsteiner’s team of professionals is directed towards crafting an organic design that not only fits the initial body lines of the BMW M4 but also preserve and demonstrate a full capacity of functionality and everyday drivability.

Making sure that every detail is set to its best, the tuner revolutionized their GTS package from last month, providing the coupe with ESS Tuning’s E-Tronic engine which will be able to fire up output from around 431 HP (317 kW) to 550 HP (405 kW). The exclusive BMW M4 GTRS4 comes with three-piece 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in Pirelli P Nero tires and KW Suspension. There is no information about the performance details yet but the stock BMW M4 Coupe boosts to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed M DCT. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, though, the car accomplishes it in 4.3 seconds.

The Special Edition GTRS4 package will include:

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper with an Integrated Front Splitter Element
Carbon Fiber Wide Front Fender with Ventilation (2 inches wider on each side)
Carbon Fiber Aero Side Blade Elements
Carbon Fiber Wide rear Fender (3.5 inches wider on each side)
Carbon Fiber Rear Bumpers with an Integrated Rear Diffuser Element
Vorsteiner 90mm Quad Exhaust Tip Finishers ( in Brushed or Black nuance)
Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badging
GTRS4 Forged 3-Piece Wheels, 20×10.5 J; 20×13.5J in Gloss Brushed Shadow

Source: Vorsteiner

October 31, 2014

BMW X6 M boosted to 680 HP and 849 Nm by Madness Motorsport

Since the attention of every BMW fan has been conquered by the new BMW X6 M which was introduced just yesterday, let’s go back a bit and look at the old one… a special one.

Initially, the previous X6 M is propelled by a monstrous 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine which produces 555hp (408 kW) at 6000RPM and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque at just 1500RPM. The power is transmitted to the road through the dynamic xDrive four-wheel-drive system. What is more, the performance of the car is mind-blowingly good. It speeds up to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, and achieves acceleration to 200 km/h in 16.9 seconds. The top speed is of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Impressive as it is, with the enhancements delivered by the Bulgarian tuning company Madness Motorsport the previous version BMW X6 M gets even better performance results. According to the owner of the car, who informed MM, the car was too quiet and too slow. Solution? Customized refinement! The updates that the X6 M received were comprised of custom downpipes, deCat & custom exhaust system and ala grande Madness Motorsport Software. With the new upgrades the car is able to produce 680hp (500 kW) and 849 Nm (626 lb-ft) of torque. The beast just got even beastlier.

Check the link bellow to see what the customized BMW X6 M looks like… and sounds like.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5YOQKpYTS8

Source: Madness Motorsport

October 31, 2014

BMW X5 M and X6 M: The Ultimate Pleasure of Driving

The second-generation BMW X5 M and X6 M have finally made their arrival for the speed-obsessed and crossover lovers. The X5 M and X6 M have been reborn. This time with more power, more torque, more style and better driving experience all of which make this pair of darlings some of the most wanted vehicles worldwide.

While the new models retain their 4.4-liter, when compared to the 2009 models, the new Ms bring enhancements of up to 10 per cent in terms of power, torque and performance while, in fact, they have lowered fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 20 per cent. To cast some light on those raw statistics, the power of the BMW new models has been sufficiently increased from 555 horsepower to 567 horseSUPERpower (423 kW). Staying true to their twin-turbocharged V8 engines, both of the cars are powered by a bran-new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with two TwinScroll turbochargers. The combination of power and torque outputs (750 Nm) outline this engine as the most powerful and efficient one ever created by BMW for four-wheel-drive cars. Finally, BMW X5 M and X6 M fire up from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds at a tops speed of 155 mph.

Of course, it is not just the statistics above which make BMW’s M cars so distinctive. There are cardinal aesthetic updates interiorly and exteriorly in order to suit and complete the high-performance behavior of those machines. X5 M and X6 M combine sportiness with luxurious style. The sporty exterior design of the new models is function-oriented. The eye-catching looks of the cars is complimented by the flared wheel arches, standard 21-inch M wheels, four large air intakes in the front fascia and, perhaps, the best twin-stalk exterior door mirrors that can be seen on a production car.

The interior is highlighted by new over-large steering wheel which is completed with aluminum paddle shifters. The design of the seats is deliberately more aggressive which works in perfect harmony with, again, the sporty nature of the BMW’s new beauties.

The BMW X5 M and X6 M will be available from 11 April, 2015, and will be priced at £90,170 and £93,070. Both models will hit the US market next spring – $99,650 for the X5 M and $103,050 for the X6 M.

Source: BMW

October 30, 2014

Comfort and Safety with BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology

The new adaptive BMW LED headlights provide improved visibility at night which makes the driving smoother, easier, safer and reduces the danger of road accidents when driving. In July 2012 BMW presented its newest highlight technology on the new BMW 7 Series as part of the optional Adaptive LED Headlights. Upgrading this functionality and ensuring even better driving-conditions at night, this operation is now also supported with Xenon headlights on all new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring versions and is accompanied with a Visibility package.

In order to work properly and most efficiently, there is a camera which automatically scans and observes the traffic situation at night. After that it redirects the collected information on to the BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology which reacts accordingly and, well, intelligently in a way that only technology can.

As it becomes obvious, the glarefree BMW Intelligent Headlights are also very adaptive to the traffic situation which results in a smooth and convenient driving too. There are several variants in which the technology operates.

For instance, the oncoming traffic can already be detected in great distance which allows the Highbeam light to adapt in relation to other vehicle. Thus, when passing it, the headlight on the left switches to lowbeam right away. If there is a preceding car, then, the headlights open up a tunnel which follows the car on the front. The multi-functionality of the BMW LED headlights leaves the right–hand side of the road still ideally illuminated without glaring other drivers.

As I mentioned before, safety always comes first. With the BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology efficient and safe driving just got much easier to be accomplished.

Follow the link bellow to check out precisely how BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology works.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dvPZ3H1Vm4

Source: BMW

October 28, 2014

Duke Dynamics and SR Auto Collaborate to Show Stunning BMW Z4

It is very rare to see a tuning which involves the extremely sport BMW Z4. And this project by Duke Dynamics is one of these examples. For it, the tuners have collaborated with the experts at SR Auto Group to create the stunning visual appeal of the Z4. In fact, the car can now show-off with a new body, due to the addition of Duke Dynamics wide body kit.

It comprises of Duke Dynamics front bumper, which lends the car more aggressive styling compare to the stock front facial and includes honeycomb mesh. In the kit there are also featured new wide front and wide rear fenders, side skirts and rear bumper.

But this is not all of it: Duke Dynamics vented hood is made of lightweight carbon fiber contributing towards weight saving. The vents can be closed or open with the mesh. At last, company’s rear diffuser is inspired and developed for a perfect blend of graceful appearances. It ensures the effective downforce for the BMW and features Eisenmann sport quad exhaust system.

With this widened exterior, the tuners at SR Auto Group were seduced to fill up the larger fenders. As a result, they have added a set of forged three piece PUR LG02 wheels, which were specifically engineered specifically for the widebody Z4. They are finished with an electric blue face and include polished lip. The size is measured at 19×9” at the front and 19×11 at the back.

This enriched and outstanding BMW Z4 model is a synonym for style, speed and performance, and more importantly is capable of producing the staggering 245 horsepower (180 kW). The torque it produces is 350 Nm (260 lb-ft). The result is that the Z4 absolutely effortlessly accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds.

Source: SR Auto Group

October 20, 2014

Tag: BMW