�� BMW �� 2011 - �� 23

�� · #**111** 06-04-2011, 01:40 PM

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW

BMW i - Click above for high-res image gallery

During today's Innovation Day presentation in Munich, BMW's head of electrical components, Dr. Christian Schmidt, revealed that the automaker is considering adding a range extending engine to its future electric vehicles.

BMW has maintained from the beginning that its recently announced "i" program will include a variety of drivetrains, ranging from the current mild hybrid fitted to the 7 Series AcriveHybrid to a full EV in the form of the i3. A plug-in hybrid will be employed on the i8, with an internal combustion engine mounted amidships and two electric motors - one driving the rear wheels and another up front - allowing the i8 to run on electric power alone or use the combination of the ICE and electric motors to boost performance.

However, the possible implementation of an EV fitted with a range-extending motor (a la Chevrolet Volt) would allow drivers to run on electric power alone for short drives, with the range extending engine kicking in to feed the battery for longer drives.

Schmidt wouldn't elaborate on what vehicles could benefit from a range extender, but was quick to point out that during the Mini E evaluations, range complaints were minimal. However, each consumer's needs are different and a range extended hybrid is likely to be another cog in BMW's i Mobility plans.

BMW considering range extender for future EVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**112** 06-04-2011, 08:50 PM

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW Eight-Speed Adaptive Transmission - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW just wrapped up its annual Innovation Days here in Munich, and in addition to detailing its new modular engines (turbocharged three-, four- and six-cylinder powerplants), showing off a range of lightweight components and discussing the possibility of equipping a future EV with a range-extending engine, BMW revealed plans for a new adaptive transmission based on its current eight-speed gearbox.

Utilizing GPS mapping, a wireless data connection, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), front and rear-mounted cameras and radar sensors, the transmission can adapt its shifting pattern and power delivery to suit road conditions.

So, let's say you're heading out on the road and it's raining. The data connection pulls in the most recent weather information, the DSC takes in the coefficient of friction of the road and then restricts power to avoid wheel spin. With the integrated GPS, the system can detect the next curve, recognize you're in Sport mode and downshift into a lower gear to perfectly suit the bend your about to bomb.

The range of applications is only limited by the amount of data the system can pull in and process, and while BMW wouldn't divulge when this technology would hit production, there's a good chance that the next iteration of the 7 Series could benefit from the system and then filter down throughout BMW's range. Check out the gallery below for a series of illustrations showing the system in action and get more details in the press blast after the break.

Gallery: BMW Adaptive 8-Speed Transmission

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW developing adaptive 8-speed transmission that predicts curves, road conditions

BMW developing adaptive 8-speed transmission that predicts curves, road conditions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**113** 07-04-2011, 02:20 AM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

BMW M5 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Images and details of the BMW M5 Concept have been soaking up the Internet's bandwidth for the past few days now, but the fierce four-door hasn't even motored onto its plinth at the Shanghai Motor Show yet.

Given its production-ready appearance and the Bavarians' propensity for such things, there appears to be precious little about the Shanghai show car that's actually conceptual, but even so, we haven't had a clear bead on where the salable F10-based BMW super saloon will show up - until now.

Autoblog has learned that the 580+horsepower production M5 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, and by the time it makes the scene, BMW's elves will no doubt have fitted a full interior and spec sheet.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Concept

Production 2012 BMW M5 will debut at Frankfurt Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**114** 08-04-2011, 12:00 AM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW Concept M5 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Excited for the arrival of the new BMW M5? Well, you should be - it's the quintessential high-performance sport sedan... the outgoing model was a something approaching a civilized supercar with four doors. But the wait is just about over.

Set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show and then in 2012 production spec at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we've already had the chance to see the Concept M5 in Munich for a brief preview and photo session to join the batch of studio shots provided by the manufacturer. But if that weren't enough, BMW has released video footage of the M5 show car doing the roundy-round and even driving about a bit. Follow the jump to check it out. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Concept

[Source: BMW via

YouTube

]

Continue reading Video: BMW Concept M5 smiles for the camera

Video: BMW Concept M5 smiles for the camera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**115** 08-04-2011, 01:30 AM

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, China, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

2013 BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res version

In the lead-in to the Shanghai Motor Show, BMW has teased an upcoming plug-in hybrid 5 Series that will be exclusive to the Chinese market. The prototype of this greener version of BMW's midsize sedan is based on the China-only long-wheelbase 5 Series platform.

The car is part of a joint venture between BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance. The car is the tip of an eco-friendly iceberg BMW has aimed squarely at China, a country with an increasing appetite for premium-segment cars and a serious need for green-focused, energy-efficient vehicles.

Despite its size, BMW says the plug-in 5 Series will manage nearly 250 miles on a single charge and tank of gas, with up to 47 miles of those on electric power only, provided you don't creep past 37 miles per hour. Those numbers certainly aren't what you'd call impressive, but they're a step in the right direction and they'd likely be a major help in the thick traffic snarls that China's major cities are famous for. As for the U.S. market, a full plug-in 5 Series is unlikely, but BMW is understood to be planning to bring a traditional mild hybrid version of the car to our shores. For now, check out the prototype in our gallery below and via the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2013 BMW 5 Series Plug-In Hybrid