Monthly Archive for August, 2009

2009 BMW Z4 V10 by Manhart Racing

The M version of the BMW Z4 is famously known by nature for being anything but underpowered, since the chassis of the sports convertible already has a heck of a lot of work with the 343 HP and the forward thrust in the lower gears could last forever.

As is generally known however, the sport oriented motorist can never have enough power at his command. Sufficient cause for Günther Manhart, who by now has over 25 years experience in rebuilding BMW engines - a first for Europe – to transplant a brand new, much stronger heart into the Z4. The transplantation of the ten cylinder engine from the current M5 generation into the narrow engine bay of the roadster was anything but a walk in the park and it earned the Manhart Racing engineers quite a few grey hairs. Nevertheless: everything fitted in the end and now the fire of a 5.0 litre V10 engine with an impressive output of 550 HP blazes above the front axle of the Z4. A catalytic converter, a modified DME electronic control unit and the removal of the factory-set V-Max restriction up to 250 km/h are part of the rebuild. Consistent to the M5 V10 engine Manhart Racing has treated the Z4 to an original M5 E60 6 gear manual transmission which includes a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and a M5 E60 differential. An AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with four muffler tips which was fitted with HJS racing catalytic converters caters for a perfect V10 sound at the rear.

The Manhart Z4 M V10 goes like hell and thanks to the perfectly tuned Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers, the virtually unrestrained power of 550 HP can be brought under control to the tarmac. Black BBS Challenge wheels rotate in the wheel arches of the Manhart Z4 M V10 with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tyres and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tyres.

Conclusion: 550 HP ten cylinders, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, kerb weight 1450kg, 2.6kg per HP… who could guess that these impressive figures belong to a Z4? Hardly anyone, however Manhart Racing turns dreams into reality and does this with 25 years experience.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. Part1

The new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics combines superb driving performance with extremely low consumption. A hybrid drive system and a revolutionary design are among the highlights.

http://www.youtube.com/v/CLGygbCr3sg?f=videos&app=youtube_gdata

Vision EfficientDynamics Sports Car from BMW

Vision EfficientDynamics Sports Car from BMW
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is a new “green” sports car concept that will be officially revealed in a few weeks time at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, the Bavarian automaker is happy to tease us with this video that contains some driving footage of the concept without actually showing the car itself.

However, towards the end of the film, there’s a vague shot of the concept and our guess is that it shows part of the car’s rear-end design.

Check out the video here!

2010 BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition

An unprecedented combination of low emissions and sheer driving pleasure: 4.1 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and 109 grams CO2/km for 120 kW/163 hp. Most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission model in BMW’s current product portfolio sets new standards in the midrange segment.

Munich. Premium car maker BMW is further increasing its substantial lead in the development of particularly clean and at the same time very dynamic cars of the highest standard. Teaming up with the BMW 320d, the new BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition is being presented for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This unique saloon combines fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle with engine output of 120 kW/163 hp.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of this high-tech model boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection complete with piezo-injectors. With the engine and the entire car modified once again for an even higher standard of efficiency, this unique saloon targeted above all at the German, Italian, French and Spanish markets comes with optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum.

All this makes the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW’s current model range. In the fiercely contested midrange segment it is an unparalleled, highly attractive premium offer for the truly demanding and progressive customer focusing primarily on superior economy and the environment, without wishing to forego the sporting driving characteristics so typical of a genuine BMW.

The enhanced efficiency already offered by the existing models in the BMW 3 Series thanks to BMW ¬EfficientDynamics making these cars superior to their competitors, is now raised to an even higher level in the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition.

Four-cylinder diesel engine with optimised efficiency and superior performance all in one.

The BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine specifically optimised for even greater fuel economy and emission management and, therefore, for a standard of efficiency never seen before. All this comes from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder power unit with its all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging and the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection featured with various power stages also in the BMW 316d, the BMW 318d and the BMW 320d. The engine specially conceived for the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition develops maximum output of 120 kW/163 hp at an engine speed of 3,500–4,200 rpm and peak torque of 360 Newton-metres/265 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

The engine stands out in particular through its sporting and dynamic power from low revs. The innovative centrifugal-force pendulum incorporated in the two-mass flywheel, together with the longer transmission ratio, serves to significantly reduce the level of engine speed at all road speeds relevant in practice in the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition. The shift in load points beneficial to fuel economy and emissions goes together in this case with full maintenance of the spontaneity and running smoothness so typical of a BMW diesel.

Centrifugal pendulum in the two-mass flywheel for smooth and comfortable motoring without vibrations even at very low engine speeds.

To ensure smooth driving characteristics free of vibration also when driving at particularly low engine speeds, the power unit of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition features a so-called centrifugal pendulum efficiently compensating any unsmoothness in running characteristics typically encountered at low revs. This innovative component is integrated in the engine’s two-mass flywheel where it dampens the vibrations generated under load, thus ensuring comfortable and acoustically optimised development of power and performance all the way from low engine speeds.

This increase in motoring comfort will encourage the driver to use a higher gear more often or, respectively, not to shift back as he otherwise would do. But when accelerating the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition still offers the driving behaviour and agility so typical of BMW.

The driving dynamics characteristic of a BMW are borne out also by the car’s acceleration to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds and by the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition accelerating in fifth gear from 80–120 km/h in 9.6 seconds. Top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph.

Lower emissions, more driving pleasure: consistently implementing the potential of BMW ¬EfficientDynamics.

The BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition comes with the complete range of technologies serving to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions and already featured as standard on the other models in the BMW 3 Series. Brake Energy Regeneration, for example, serves to concentrate the generation of electric power for the on-board network on overrun and the application of the brakes, thus avoiding even the slightest increase in fuel consumption. The Auto Start Stop function, in turn, switches off the engine even during a short stop in traffic, avoiding any unnecessary consumption of fuel while idling. The gearshift point indicator on the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition, to mention yet a further example, tells the driver in good time when to shift gears in the interest of optimum efficiency. And like the detachable climate compressor, EPS Electronic Power Steering operates only when needed, again in the interest of maximum efficiency.

The electric motor featured within the EPS system therefore takes up energy only when really needed for power assistance or when required by the driver. Active cooling through air flap control and tyres with reduced roll resistance also serve to enhance the car’s efficiency, and the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition is likewise fitted with a diesel particulates filter close to the engine. It almost goes without saying, finally, that the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition fulfils the EU5 emission standard in full.

The fuel economy and emission management also featured in the other models in the BMW 3 Series are combined in the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition with additional innovations, which, together with the decrease in engine power on the BMW 320d by 10 kW or 14 hp, serve to reduce fuel consumption and emissions to an even lower level, below the CO2 standard of 110 grams per kilometre relevant to taxation in many countries.

These additional features include a longer final drive ratio and the lower chassis and suspension of the car. Newly developed Aero wheel rims in turbine wheel design – the only optical sign of distinction on the car to be seen from outside – improve the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard, giving the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

Within the BMW 3 Series the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is the so far most consistent implementation of the BMW ¬EfficientDynamics development strategy, offering the motorist who really appreciates the premium character and sporting driving qualities of a BMW 3 Series and at the same time attaches utmost significance to superior economy exactly the right choice in the midrange market segment.

Comparing the efficiency of all models in this segment, BMW, introducing the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition, is once again moving a step ahead of the competition. And following BMW’s general policy, the improvement of efficiency offered by this innovative technology does not even require the payment of a higher price for the BMW 320d ¬EfficientDynamics Edition, which therefore comes at the same price as the “regular” BMW 320d, which naturally is still included in BMW’s model range.

2009 BMW M3 GTS3 Limited by Vorsteiner

GTS3 Front Bumper features (Application: E90/E92 M3 Only):
Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional)
Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws, grills & ducting
Revised center mouth opening with 6.35mm extension
Lowered ground clearance with downward extension of 25.4mm
Redesigned side ducting eyebrows to enhance appearance
Replaceable 1-Piece Design Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
Improved overall aerodynamics & increased airflow to radiators & air box

Available Front Bumper Options:
Full visible carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment
Dry Vacuumed Woven Plastic construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment
1-Piece carbon fiber front splitter attachment (Shown Above)
2-Piece carbon fiber splitters (Available in September 2009)

As part of new the GTS3 front fascia we have also developed a new functional power dome vented carbon fiber hood to replace the factory aluminum unit.
GTS3 Vented Power Dome Hood features (Application: E92 M3 Only):
Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional)
Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws & shocks
Revised central power dome with sharper tension edges
Integrated dual ventilation openings for engine heat extraction
Rolled composite carbon fiber edges

Available Vented Hood Options:
Double sided carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber underside paneling
Single sided carbon fiber construction w/ black DVWP underside paneling

Hamann Tunes into the new BMW 5-Series GT

Longtime BMW tuner Hamann is preparing a new twist on the Bavarian automaker’s latest model, the 5-Series GT. The tuning firm published a photo gallery of the GT wearing beefier alloy wheels in various designs. And even though Hamann did not accompany the pictures with any details whatsoever, when the tuning program for the GT hits the market later this year buyers can expect a full bodykit with various aero parts along with brake and suspension upgrades plus engine improvements.

2009 BMW M3 Silverstone II by IND

2009 BMW M3 Silverstone II by IND

BMW to Unveil Green Sports Car Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

In what could be described as a ‘hot-cold shower’ type of announcement, in addition to confirming their decision to pull out from Formula One racing at the end of the 2009 season, BMW officials also revealed today that the Bavarian automaker will swipe the covers off an all-new ‘green’ sports car concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The announcement was made by Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, at the press conference on the realignment of the German firm’s motor sports activities.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important,” said Draeger in his speech. You will see a product of sustainable development at the IAA in Frankfurt in a few weeks in the form of a concept car. The BMW EfficientDynamics Vision will demonstrate how efficient a sports car can be. It will also prove that sustainability does not apply to the drive train alone, but to design and materials as well”.

“Anyone who takes a closer look at this concept car will understand the direction in which we are developing our technology. And it will become evident that we will have to dedicate more human and financial resources to this type of development work,” Draeger concluded.

Although Draeger did not get into any specific details, previous reports suggest that the concept sports car study may very well act as a teaser for a production model that could hit the market as soon as 2012 rivaling the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911.

It has also been reported that BMW’s ‘green’ supercar will be a two-seater mid-engined coupe equipped with the latest fuel-saving technologies from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme including direct injection, brake energy regeneration and stop-start systems plus enhanced aerodynamics.

BMW to Launch Megacity EV under a “BMW Sub-Brand”

BMW’s first series production electric vehicle, the so-called Megacity, will be launched under a “BMW sub-brand” the automaker announced today. Despite the initial confusion that was created by the term “sub-brand” as it suggested that BMW was planning to add a fourth brand in its portfolio, the firm’s Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer cleared things up during a telephone conference with reporters by saying that the all-electric Megacity will be launched under a “BMW sub-brand” comparable to BMW’s M badge. In other words, expect to see something in the likes of ‘E’ or ‘EV’ series.

Yesterday, BMW revealed that it reached an agreement with the Samsung SDI and Bosch joint venture “SB LiMotive” to the supply of the lithium-ion battery cells for the Megacity. Not much else is known about the Bavarian EV that is slated to arrive in showrooms before 2015.

BMW i-Setta

BMW i-Setta
After months of debates and strategy planning, sources close to BMW confirm that a fourth BMW Group brand will be formed. It will be marketed under the name “i-Setta” and the megacity vehicle will be sold under this new brand. Quoting the source, “i-Setta” will be a reimagining of the original cult classic using today’s and tomorrows technology to provide urban mobility and sustainability in a lovable modern design wholly inspired by the original.”

Sure does and in our opinion, this is the best solution that BMW could have chosen in this current economic climate. Creating a new and fourth brand that focuses on electric/fuel efficient cars, will allow BMW to maintain their image of a sport luxury automaker without diluting that brand.

The i-Setta brand will allow BMW to create the Megacity vehicles that are geared towards congested cities. The same source confirms that within the MINI brand, a new electric vehicle will be also sold under the name MIN-i.