Beijing _ 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe

BMW unveiled the Concept Gran Coupe today at the Beijing Auto Show, China. the all-new 2010 BMW Concept Gran Coupe has been revealed, finally confirming BMW’s intention to enter the burgeoning four-door coupe market.

The four-door includes a variety of distinct features like the vaulted hood with forward-facing lines, a longer wheelbase, coupe-style roofline and short front overhang. BMW describes the intent of the concept: “the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future.”

At 1.4-meters high, the car is 10-cm shorter in height than the 5er and 7er sedan. Current rumors suggest that the car is already approved for production and will be marketed as the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, a car which BMW does not directly compete against at this time.

According to BMW sources, the car is headed for production in 2012 and will be built on the same platform that underpins the 5-Series, 7-Series and the 5-Series Gran Turismo. The production model will be offered with the same mix of 6- and 8-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines as those models.





Press Release

Elegance and dynamic performance at the first BMW Design Night in Beijing.

Munich. With an exclusive Design Night on the evening of the first press day at Auto China in Beijing (April 23rd to May 2nd 2010), BMW provides an in-depth insight into its design philosophy and development strategy. The program of the BMW Design Night is modular in structure and presents extensive background information on the premium automobile manufacturer's innovative design culture. In addition to highlighting the long versions of the BMW 5 Series developed specially for the Chinese market, the main focus is on an elegant 4-door vehicle with striking dynamic proportions: the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

The concept study on display symbolises the outstanding design expertise of BMW. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualises BMW's philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.

Based on a powerful tradition in this segment, the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future. The concept shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. The surface structures and the fact that the design quality is geared towards perfection illustrate the aspiration of the brand BMW to build 4-door high-performance coupes with the sportiest proportions and the most elegant design.

In the BMW Concept Gran Coupé, BMW presents the vision of a 4-door vehicle which combines the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo with the fascination of a high-performance sports car. The design of the concept study underscores the expertise of the brand BMW in the development of vehicles with a distinctive sporty character which offer space for more than two occupants. This reflects the particular quality of the BMW Group design philosophy, which consists in precisely and authentically translating the specific values of product substance into an aesthetically convincing shaping style. The design process is set through with a passion for aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance, precision and perfection. This is how the uncompromising premium aspiration of a BMW Group product, the unmistakable style of the brand BMW and the precisely defined character of each model are given concrete form.

The body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé expresses sporty flair in its ultimate form. The 4-door vehicle clearly signals the very highest level of dynamic performance with its extremely elegant, flat and coupe-like proportions. Stretching the entire length of the vehicle and therefore measuring almost 5 metres, flowing lines dominate the design, giving rise to outstanding aerodynamic levels, just as the low centre of gravity reflects an agile driving response.

The front section is defined by the BMW kidney grille characteristic of the brand - an icon of body design which is not just central but also a dominating element of front design. The kidney grille of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé has a flat appearance, with an asymmetrical side view which emphasises the close attention to detail. The central section with the kidney grille is formally separated from other BMW icons such as the headlights and air inlets. The clarity of the LED front lights highlights the vehicle's precision and premium aspirations. The air inlet runs back an extremely long way into the side section, making the front section appear particularly wide. All elements of the front section appear to merge to form a single, elegantly curved movement.

The sporty, flat silhouette provides an impressive body height of just under 1.40 metres. This makes the BMW Concept Gran Coupé up to 100 millimetres flatter than the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The roof line tapers off gently into the rear, thereby elongating the vehicle's proportions. The forward-tilted shark nose visually extends the bonnet and creates characteristic BMW proportions with its forward-pointing dynamism. This stretched character is also highlighted by the side lines, where there is a deliberate avoidance of the typical sill line. The flat proportions make the window graphics appear extremely narrow and dynamic at the same time. Another BMW design icon, the Hofmeister kink, is especially strikingly formed - additionally emphasising the exclusive character of the vehicle. The frameless doors give the BMW Concept Gran Coupé a modern character since the glass surfaces appear to merge seamlessly without being interrupted by columns.

At the rear, only design elements such as the lights and tailpipe trim appear to be visible at first sight. The entire rear section appears slimmer and lighter at the centre, though still exuding power and dynamic performance since the volume is reinforced towards the sides. The L-shaped light banks feature a slight, almost subtle curve and the entire design of the lines and surfaces highlights the vehicle's elegant overall appearance. The third brake light, positioned in the rear window, is also fitted with LED technology. It takes up the kink in the roof and illuminates the entire width of the rear window. The powerfully flared wheel arches above the rear axle highlight the particularly sporty character of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

Another highly sporty and also elegant feature is the rim concept in which the individual spokes extend deep into the centre of the rim towards the hub, giving the rim a striking three-dimensional quality. The spokes themselves are not solid but relief-milled, giving them a visual lightness.

The sculptural shaping style characteristic of the entire body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé permits a unique interaction between concave and convex surfaces. It also enables the light to be selectively reflected and channelled. Thus the exterior mirrors integrated in the window shaft appear very light, blending harmoniously into the side view since their shape assimilates the entire line styling. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is a further development of the classic design of a notchback sedan in which the individual body sections merge harmoniously into a flat, elongated and at the same time dynamic overall image. The effect of this 4-door vehicle derives not just from specific highlights but from its overall appearance, which authentically reflects its character. The car's dynamic potential is embodied in its proportions and lines, signalling power but also elegance and forward thrust.


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/concept%20car
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept [Video]

Well now this car sees actual form as a concept and it’s called the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept.

The car that Mercedes unveiled today shows that there still may be hope for the estate buyer just as the CLS revived the estate as a good looking car. The Stuttgart automaker has announced that this concept will make its debut at the Beijing Motor Show, sometime later this week.

This model brings together features from the F800 Concept, from the Mercedes SLS AMG, from the FASCINATION Concept car and is hailed by Mercedes as some future insight in the design possibilities of the Coupe Concept.

The bonnet of this concept covers up a 3.5 liter V6 engine that develops 306 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque that features BlueEFFICIENCY technology in order to obtain better fuel consumption. Some other interesting technology that can be found on this concept is the dynamic full LED headlamps that are a world premiere on any car.

Inside, the car makes good use of contrasting cream and brown leather, though a third leather shade needlessly creates a tri-color scheme.  The use of the cream tone as the dominant color that carries into the headliner works to make the concept feel more spacious and comfortable.  This is further accentuated by the large glass roof that extends over the heads of the rear passengers.  Behind the rear seats are stylish storage units meant to fit items like a laptop or tool kit, with a drawback that they may be hard to reach.  A flat wooden floor in back will make sliding luggage or golf clubs in and out of the car a bit easier.

Should this concept hit production, it will be the best competitor for the BMW 5 Series GT and i have to admit, as far as looks are concerned the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break Concept is already winning.






Press Release

THE SHOOTING BREAK CONCEPT CAR: TAKING THE COUPÉ DESIGN TO NEW HEIGHTS

World premiere at "Auto China 2010"

* Innovation four-door Coupé with sloping tail end

* World premiere: dynamic full LED headlamps

* Forerunner: new V6 petrol engine with direct injection

In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz established a new market segment with the four-door Coupé CLS. In September 2008, the brand revealed a fresh and exciting interpretation of the emotionally-appealing Coupé-based design in the form of the FASCINATION concept car. Now making its premiere at Auto China 2010 is the Shooting Break concept car - a further insight by Mercedes designers into the possible future development of the Coupé concept. The Shooting Break concept car also represents a clear indication of the further emotional appeal of the Mercedes design idiom.

Wide and flat, with a long bonnet and a roof which continues through to the rear: the Shooting Break concept car features some astonishing proportions which at the same time are clearly reminiscent of another design icon - the CLS. The design of the front is completely new, but makes use of elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car: the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats, is not integrated into the bonnet but has been designed separately in the form of a "soft nose". The grille is flanked on each side by full LED headlamps, which for the first time feature LED technology for all of the usual dynamic light functions. The side profile is given a touch of dynamism thanks to the high, exaggerated beltline sweeping towards the rear, and the dramatic character line which is supported by the powerful-looking rear wheel arches. The coupé-like side view is also emphasised with a low window design which also highlights the greenhouse with polished aluminium trim.

The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather materials. One eye-catching feature is the large full-length centre console. It highlights the four- seat layout as well as the high levels of comfort afforded by the Shooting Break concept car. The wooden floor of the luggage compartment reflects the true interpretation of this area of the vehicle, where the dark-stained silky oak contrasts against inlaid aluminium protective loading strips.

The Shooting Break concept car is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The V6 benefits from a 60° cylinder angle and a displacement of 3.5 litres, and is characterised by direct injection featuring a control system which enables lean-burn operation. The six-cylinder engine produces 225 kW (306 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm and in line with the BlueEFFICIENCY criteria of Mercedes-Benz also sets new standards among the competition in terms of fuel consumption.

The exterior: stylish and sporty

The proportions are clearly those of a coupé: the long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear create a basic stance with which it looks ready for the off. It is only when taking a second look that it becomes clear that the Shooting Break concept car actually has four doors and an estate rear. As such, this study in design reveals its philosophical links with the four-door CLS Coupé, a car which has established a new market segment since 2004 and today is already seen as a design icon which is likely to occupy a very special place in the history of the motor car. The Shooting Break concept car may well be looked back on at some point as having played a similar role, taking ideas from the FASCINATION concept car premiered in 2008 and projecting them into the future.

"The Shooting Break concept car is based on the great tradition of a stylish, cultivated sportiness which has always characterised the great Mercedes Coupés, and it takes this unique legacy an exciting step further," explains Professor Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time it points the way towards the future design idiom of Mercedes-Benz."

The vocabulary of the design idiom includes the contrasting play between lines and exaggerated areas, which combine to create an animated area of interaction. The expressive design of the front immediately catches the eye, using elements which are mindful of the SLS AMG super sports car, and with a radiator grille which for the first time has been designed as a "soft nose" and is not integrated into the bonnet. This contributes to better pedestrian protection and at the same time also helps to improve the focus on the long, sporty bonnet. The grille is dominated by the large central star, highlighting its relationship to the other Coupés of the Mercedes brand. It is supported by bionic, curved grille slats. Their curved design is reflected in the expressive look of the front apron and air intakes.

Particularly eye-catching are the full LED headlamps, which for the first time offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. Inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering LED low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design and distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.

The side profile of the Shooting Break concept car is dominated by the low, frameless side windows, the coupé-like shape of which is further highlighted with the incorporation of a polished aluminium frame along the body. Thanks to the positioning of the outside mirrors on the beltline, the side line is emphasised and all-round visibility has been improved in the region of the A-pillars. The side windows are supported on a high beltline, which slopes towards the rear in a fresh interpretation of the classic "dropping line" of iconic Mercedes Coupés. An additional exciting touch has been made with the prominent, muscular hip points which forcefully support the side line. This interaction gives the impression of a sprinter, poised in the starting blocks, ready to release an explosive forward surge of energy. The roof follows through to the rear and also drops away in typical coupé fashion. Another special feature is the recessed, filigree door handles, which emerge on being touched with the aid of sensors to allow access to the interior.

The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology. As such they form a linking element to the low, steeply-angled estate car rear end with top-hinged tailgate. The shape is emphasised by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the lowered-look greenhouse. The twin pipe exhaust system, with two polished exhaust covers, is integrated into the rear bumper, which features an elegantly curved wing.

Also contributing to the special appearance of the Shooting Break concept car is the exceptional paint finish. A satin-finish clear coat has been used, which gives the vehicle's allanite grey magno colour a mysterious glint and also further brings out the Coupé's exquisite lines.

The sporty look of the Shooting Break concept car is complemented with large 20-inch sterling silver wheels, featuring a special bionically arranged five-spoke filigree design. They allow a glimpse of the large brake discs behind. The front wheels are fitted with 255/30 ZR 20 tyres, while the rear of this exceptional vehicle sits on 285/25 ZR 20 tyres.

The interior: design makes quality noticeable; high-quality materials, hand-crafted perfection

A large panoramic glass sunroof provides a glimpse into the high-quality, perfectly hand-crafted interior of the Shooting Break concept car, where natural materials such as wood and leather dominate. Wood is used on the trim elements and door pulls, the instrument panel and centre console, and primarily on the luggage compartment floor in the rear. When it came to choosing the wood, the interior designers opted for silky oak on account of its unusual, lens-shaped texture. The wooden floor in the luggage compartment has inlaid aluminium protective loading strips, and is reminiscent of finishes normally seen in yacht building.

Four saddle bags along the sides of the luggage compartment are useful for storing small tools. They are finished in leather, a material which has been used extensively throughout the Shooting Break concept car: in fact, almost ten square metres of leather have been incorporated into the interior. Light sections of porcelain-coloured nappa leather form an attractive contrast to the dark-brown natural-coloured aniline leather and perforated metallic-silver finish seat cushions and door centre panels. Extensive double-lapped stitching and discerning colour-coordinated upholstery seat piping reflect the hand-crafted perfection and attention to detail, as does the tuck stitching on the instrument panel, door sill covers and seat backrests, all of which highlights the contours of the components extremely well.

Perfection and attention to detail also apply to the trim elements. While on the exterior they are polished to a high-sheen finish, in the interior they feature a matt finish. A total of seven manual processes are necessary - from grinding to polishing - to transform the components, which are milled completely from aluminium, into their final decorative form. The matt finish of the interior trim has also served as inspiration for the metallic-silver leather on the seats, door centre panels and bags in the luggage compartment. The deep-pile carpet in the footwell - finished in porcelain colour - is a luxurious material used by Maybach-Manufaktur. The light-coloured roof liner made of silk cloth adds the finishing touch to the impression of comfortable elegance in the interior.

The Shooting Break concept car is clearly a four-seater. The four identically shaped leather seats have a touch of the sports car about them thanks to their integrated head restraints. Openings in the upper area of the backrests make it possible to see through the seats. A large full-length wood console on the transmission tunnel provides a visual divide between driver and front passenger and at the same time indulges the occupants with two large leather-covered armrests. It also houses two cup holders as well as controls for the rear-compartment air conditioning. The centre console is finished off at the rear with inlaid work: curved Mercedes lettering which harks back to the style of the 1920s. The striking cursive-script lettering is also repeated on the front door sills.

Since the central screen has been integrated into the upper part of the instrument panel, the cockpit has a "wrap-around" effect. The elegant verve and bionic details of the exterior are captured, among other things, in the dynamic wave-design air vents in the instrument panel. An analogue clock sits in the centre. The instrument cluster comprises three tubes for dial-type gauges as well as a colour display for service indications.

The headlamps: exciting LED technology offering full functionality

The Shooting Break concept car has dynamic full LED headlamps, which combine the exciting daylight colour impression of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today's bi-xenon light generation. The new light system, due to make its debut in series production this year, features the Intelligent Light System which has already been tried and tested in Mercedes models with bi-xenon headlamps. Its five light functions - country lights, motorway lights, enhanced fog lights, active curve lights and cornering lights -have been specifically designed for typical driving or weather conditions.

The light specialists at Mercedes-Benz have also been able to combine LED technology with the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist for the first time, leading to a completely new level of safety at night.

The engine: enhanced performance, enhanced efficiency

The Shooting Break concept car is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The special features of the spray-guided direct injection engine include the latest generation of piezo-electric injection valves which enable multiple injections. Better lean operation is possible thanks to load monitoring of the pressure information. Even the operation of the ancillary components has been made efficient and there is also a start/stop function. The V6 with a 60° cylinder angle and displacement of 3.5 litres produces 225 kW (306 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm.

It's all in a name: the origins of the name "Shooting Break"

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to "break" in wild horses and also to restrict (or "brake") their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses. Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes. Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break. In the 1960s and 1970s motorised Shooting Breaks were popular in Great Britain - exclusive cross-over vehicles, which combined the luxuriousness of a coupé with the luggage space of an estate.


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/concept%20car
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Video: BMW Technik Think Tank Celebrates 25 Years of Concepts

BMW Technik is the BMW Group’s research subsidiary that put simply works on the future. They step back from the day to day task of designing and building the next BMW and MINI models and focus on research and engineering at a level that’s simply not possible normally. And since the introduction of Technik 25 years ago the group has created show stopping engineering mules, concepts and even a few production components and full on cars. So with that said BMW is celebrating today with an enormous amount of photos and press releases meant to give you the full run-down on what Technik has done over the past 25 years. With it we also present you an incredible gallery of photos some of which are seen here for the first time.

via:bimmerfile


Press Release

Source of innovation. 25 Years of BMW (Forschung und) Technik GmbH.

Innovative force entails future capability. The BMW Group owes its status as the world's most successful manufacturer of premium automobiles to an outstanding development concept in all areas relevant to driving pleasure, sustainability and safety. The principles of this pre-eminence have been forged over the last quarter of a century in BMW (Forschung und) Technik GmbH. The researchers operating within the framework of this think tank develop technologies and concepts for individual mobility in tomorrow's world. The subsidiary was created 25 years ago as BMW Technik GmbH. With this company the BMW Group has a centre of competence that is unique throughout the world. It safeguards and expands technology leadership for BMW by providing a constant stream of innovations.

This groundwork is carried out autonomously, but it is by no means uncoupled from the development of series vehicles. The experts working in BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH enjoy a high degree of creative freedom that allows them to take innovative approaches and look for unconventional solutions. They make use of diverse sources of inspiration which can range
from bionics to space engineering, and they develop perspectives on the future that extend far beyond the life cycle of a vehicle model. "Our project-related research is not linked to the current product range, although we naturally have the objective of consistently optimising the characteristic features of vehicles coming from the BMW Group and transferring our projects and ideas to series development," explains Professor Raymond Freymann, Managing Director of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.

The concept of cooperative research also ensures that the departments responsible for subsequent series development can be integrated within the relevant project at an early stage. This approach guarantees that operations for realisation are already being monitored during the research phase. The initiators of an innovation also support their project after it has been transferred to the pre-production and series development phase. They then move with their project to the series development department at BMW AG. This provides safeguards for ensuring that information is not lost at interfaces, and it promotes a dynamic exchange of ideas on a personal level between research and series development. This strategy facilitates a strategic and efficient use of the innovative force pooled within BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.

Competence centre in Munich and international network.

The subsidiary company was founded as BMW Technik GmbH in 1985. The main focus of activities in the early years was defined as the development and construction of concept vehicles. The minutes of the Executive Board meeting in January 1985 clearly set out the mission of the fledgling company: "The recently founded company BMW Technik GmbH has the mission to develop innovative, future-oriented and original overall vehicle concepts and sub-concepts away from the constraints of a specific series workflow schedule. However, the objective should always be to develop solutions that have the potential for series development." The initial aim was to work on projects under the working title "Auto 2000" and "Local Vehicle".

When the company was rebranded in 2003 as BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH to reflect both research and technology, the focus was shifted to developing technology that encompassed all types of BMW vehicle. The workforce currently has a headcount of around 200 at the Munich site, and BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has extensive expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering, hydrogen technologies, alternative drive and energy management concepts, active safety and driver assistance systems, as well as information and communication technologies in the vehicle. The research and technology centre also maintains centres in the USA: the Technology Office Palo Alto in Silicon Valley, California, and the Liaison Office Clemson, South Carolina. They enjoy a close relationship with universities such as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as research institutes and high-tech companies in other sectors. The aim is to harness innovative trends and technologies for deployment in the automobile sector.

There is also an extensive exchange of ideas with universities and research institutes at German and European level. Participation in the Eurécom European communication network - based at the Sophia Antipolis high-tech centre in southern France - ensures that the research subsidiary of the BMW Group has access to leading-edge information and telecommunication technologies. In addition, BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has a base at the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and drives forward the automation of intelligent behaviour and hence the "Automobile of the Future".

The Munich Center of Automotive Research (CAR@TUM) established as a joint venture with Munich Technical University gives the subsidiary of the BMW Group permanent access to high-flying young academics with great potential for the future and it also ensures access to important results derived from ground-breaking scientific research.

BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH also works on state-financed research projects at national and international level together with other automobile manufacturers and suppliers in order to create industry-wide standards, ultimately for the benefit of all customers. One of the latest examples of this work are the field trials for vehicle-to-vehicle communication in the project entitled "Safe mobility - Test bed Germany", abbreviated to simTD.

Anniversary: Premiere for fascinating concept vehicles and pioneering technologies.

The history of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has been defined by a long track record of concept vehicles and technological innovations which generated pioneering impetus for the development of series vehicles, components and systems. The influence of research projects exerts varying effects on series development, depending on the subject focus and complexity. The scope ranges from direct implementation in the form of a concrete project to long-term development of technology competence. BMW Group Research and Technology is presenting a selection of projects to celebrate this landmark anniversary. The specialists working at the centre have developed these projects and some of them will be experienced for the first time outside the confines of the well-guarded laboratories and workshops.

One of the first projects to be launched by the fledgling subsidiary company was the prototype for a BMW Z1 Coupé developed in 1988. This vehicle was created within the framework of a concept development based on the very first project of the new subsidiary - the BMW Z1 roadster produced in a limited series. The development engineers were interested in methods and technologies to facilitate a maximally efficient extension of a vehicle concept to additional derivatives. The knowledge gained from this project was used for the BMW Z3 series model, which was produced as a roadster and coupé, and for the first generation of the BMW Z4, which was also manufactured in open-top and closed versions.

A fuel-cell hybrid vehicle based on the BMW 1 Series is another project being presented in the public domain for the first time. This project developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH shows a highly innovative form of hybrid technology developed within the framework of Efficient Dynamics in conjunction with the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Alongside a four-cylinder petrol engine, the research vehicle has an electric power unit for city traffic. The electrical energy is generated by a small fuel cell in the form of an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and stored temporarily in high-performance capacitors. These so-called super caps cover the performance peaks for acceleration and taking off at traffic lights, and store the electricity generated during braking. Using a comparatively small fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen achieves a high level of efficiency for city traffic, while the internal combustion engine is only used for high-speed journeys. This combination could have the capability to provide an emission-free range of several hundred kilometres in city traffic and facilitate "recharging" within the space of a few minutes - this is in addition to the mobility reserves provided by the internal combustion engine for long-distance travel.

BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH is also celebrating its anniversary by providing a unique insight into innovative projects in the area of intelligent networking between driver, vehicle and environment. BMW ConnectedDrive already delivers a package of driver-assisted systems and mobility services that is unique throughout the world. These systems enhance comfort and safety, as well as optimising infotainment functions in the vehicle. The current research projects in this area include the narrow-passage assistant, which assists drivers if they are driving along particularly narrow lanes, for example near building works, and the emergency stop assistant which brings the vehicle safely to a stop if there is a medical emergency.

The latest success of the joint venture between BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH and Munich Technical University (CAR@TUM) is also presented. The project "IT-Motive 2020" involves the researchers developing an innovative architecture for information and communication technology integrated within the vehicle that permits functions previously distributed over a large number of different control units to be pooled in a homogeneous communication network. The aim is to provide a consistent hardware platform for displaying the continually expanding number of vehicle, comfort and safety functions.

Milestones: from the BMW Z1 to the lightweight sports coupé BMW Z29.

BMW Technik GmbH was launched in 1985 with the mission to develop innovative solutions for a large number of aspects associated with individual mobility. The specialists working in the newly established department were able to get to grips with this mission successfully in the very first project they tackled. They developed the BMW Z1 roadster. This vehicle project was intended to trial innovative materials, launch a revolutionary bodywork concept, and highlight opportunities for optimising development processes.

The result was so impressive that already three years later the first out of a total of 8 000 series vehicles left the Munich BMW Plant. With its plastic body, vertical sliding doors and fascinating handling properties, the BMW Z1 was not simply the first milestone in the history of BMW Technik GmbH - it also made its mark as an exceptional phenomenon on the road.

Revolutionary body and power-unit concepts were to shape development operations during the years to come. In 1993, the BMW Z13 was presented, a compact vehicle with a sporty design powered by a rear-mounted engine and three seats in an unconventional configuration. The driver was positioned behind the centrally located steering wheel, with seating space being provided behind the driver for two passengers. The study featured the driving pleasure typical of the brand, a high level of comfort, and outstanding safety attributes.

BMW E1: pioneer for electro-mobility.

The same year already saw BMW Technik GmbH presenting the BMW Z15. This first fully functional concept vehicle with pure electric drive was a development of the BMW Z11 electric vehicle presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991. As a prototype with the model designation BMW E1, the four-seater incorporated a design with pioneering aerodynamic and
ergonomic features that provided impressive testimony to the superlative potential of its emission-free drive technology even in normal everyday use. The BMW E1 provided a range of up to 200 kilometres and a top speed of 120 km/h. The prototype generated universal acclaim among members of the public and independent testers. The readers' choice in car magazine "Auto Zeitung" voted the BMW E1 as the winner in the category "Environment and Technology", and trade magazine "Auto Bild" described the BMW E1 as "the most advanced car of the century".

At the time, it was already evident that BMW was in a position to achieve typical BMW driving characteristics and operational capability geared to city driving with a purely electrical power unit. Series development would also be achievable if a battery technology with optimised power and cost could be developed. Today, BMW is continuing to build on this knowledge base in the context of project i: it provided the impetus for the development of a Mega City vehicle designed for emission-free mobility within large urban environments. An innovative vehicle concept and the most recent developments in the area of power unit and energy storage technology form the basis for a state-of-the-art presentation of electrical mobility.

New routes to maximum driving fun: BMW Z18 and BMW Just 4/2.

The development of the prototypes launched in 1995 also saw the specialists at BMW Technik GmbH searching for new and sophisticated approaches to driving pleasure. One of their ideas focused on designing an automobile counterpart to the Enduro motorcycle concept that was so successful during the 1990s. The yearning to explore off-road terrain and the pleasure of mobility under the open skies was combined for the first time on four wheels in the BMW Z18. An eight-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, a variable interior concept and elevated seating characterise the innovative driving experience in the robust roadster.

The BMW Z18 had to wait five years after it was created for its public debut - the occasion was the celebration of 15 years of existence for the think tank. Another prototype that offered the prospect of driving fun while having previously been confined to motorcycles captivated the driving public at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan as early as 1995. Freestanding wheels, a body that abandoned roof and windscreen, and a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine packing 100 hp were the hallmarks of the study where the two-seater concept was already integrated in the model designation - BMW Just 4/2.

Festival of innovations: The BMW Z22.

The BMW Z22 was among the most sophisticated technology platforms that BMW Technik GmbH ever created. The study was presented in 1999, and it bristled with no less than 70 innovations and 61 registered inventions in areas ranging across body concept, lightweight construction, power unit, safety, mechanical systems and controls. The use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in an innovative processing procedure permitted compliance with the highest crash safety standards while at the same time significantly reducing weight. Power steering, an electromechanical braking system, cameras instead of wing and rear mirrors, and a cockpit design reduced to the bare essentials defined the mould-breaking, future-proof character of the BMW Z22. Adaptive headlights, Head-up Display and central control unit enabled the prototype to offer innovative functions that were soon implemented further down the line in BMW series vehicles.

Consistent lightweight construction for uncompromising driving pleasure: The BMW Z29.

Optimization of the vehicle weight by deploying the most advanced high-tech materials was the focus of development for the BMW Z29 concept study. The prototype of a two-seater sports car was completed by BMW Technik GmbH in 2001 and represents the culmination of cooperation with another subsidiary of the BMW Group - BMW M GmbH. The vehicle exerts
fascinating appeal with flowing lines and lambo-style doors. The principles underlying the outstanding potential of the BMW Z29 for dynamic driving can be found under the engine bonnet and below the surface of the paintwork. The power was generated by the in-line six-cylinder engine of the BMW M3 - at that time a technological benchmark - and the passenger cell was manufactured from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic while the rear axle, and front and rear module were designed in aluminium. The most important results of this combination: a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp and an acceleration ratio of 4.4 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h.

Research as foundation for Efficient Dynamics.

The Efficient Dynamics development strategy provides the BMW Group with the world's most efficient programme for reducing consumption and emission values in road traffic. The development of power systems with optimised efficiency, smart energy management in the vehicle, and aerodynamic measures form the key supporting aspects of this strategy, complementing lightweight construction throughout. BMW Group Research and Technology has made significant progress in all these areas since the company was established and the results have been channelled into the series development of many different new models.

Intensive fundamental research has also been carried out in the context of the development of innovative and alternative propulsion systems. The spectrum of research ranges from new concepts for the classic internal combustion engine, through hybrid technology and the deployment of hydrogen as a fuel in the vehicle, to electro-mobility. This demonstrates that research covers all the areas that today form the mainstays of the Efficient Dynamics development strategy.

Hybrid concepts: more efficiency, more driving pleasure - right from the start.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 are the first two models of the brand available in 2010 to use a combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor. Each model deploys a unique platform of BMW ActiveHybrid technology while also presenting a characteristic homogeneity: BMW ActiveHybrid presents tangibly enhanced dynamic
driving accompanied by significantly reduced consumption and emission values. This twin-track advance is manifested in the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, and from the start it shaped the ground-breaking work carried out by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH in hybrid technology. Hybrid technology in the style of BMW advances efficiency and intensifies driving pleasure.

The hybrid concept car based on the BMW 5 Series and developed in 1994 already facilitated fully electric and hence emission-free driving with characteristic features optimised for city traffic. The car's power-unit technology configured as a parallel hybrid drive combined a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric drive which generated a maximum output of 26 kW. The energy stored in a nickel-metal hydride battery was sufficient to power the car over a range of eleven kilometres in purely electric drive mode. Today, hybrid technology in the BMW 5 Series is more relevant to the modern world than ever before. It is well on the way to series maturity, as demonstrated at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 when the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid was featured and bore impressive testimony to the technology.

Within the space of just one year, the researchers had developed another hybrid concept vehicle and significantly extended the range of the vehicle solely under electric power. The BMW 3 Series with serial hybrid technology was primarily intended for city traffic and was able to travel a distance of 38 kilometres with the internal combustion engine switched off. Two electricmotors supplemented the four-cylinder petrol engine. One of them provided the propulsion while the other served as a generator within the system.

Researchers presented a hybrid vehicle based on the first generation of the BMW X5 in 2001, and this demonstrated the progress that had been made in the area of drive and energy-storage technology. The study combined an eight-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor to generate a maximum combined torque of 1000 newton metres. The high-power capacitors known as supercaps were the most important innovation in the first vehicle to be named after the Efficient Dynamics strategy. They were deployed as energy storage devices with particularly high power density. The BMW Concept X3 EfficientDynamics consistently progressed development of supercaps integrated in the side sills. The technology was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The specialists at BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH were also able to present new solutions for integrating the internal combustion engine and electric motor. BMW Concept X3 EfficientDynamics integrated the electric motor including performance electronics in a compact active transmission.

Option for the future, already operating today thanks to intensive research: hydrogen as a fuel.

Over the long term, the BMW Group is also committed to using hydrogen as an alternative fuel in vehicles. The use of hydrogen produced with assistance from renewable energy sources offers the option of emission-free mobility for the future. The capability of this power-unit technology for everyday use has already been demonstrated with the BMW Hydrogen 7. This car passed through the complete series development process before being manufactured as a limited series. The world's first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon for use under everyday conditions is powered by a bivalent twelve-cylinder internal combustion engine and has been made available to selected customers worldwide. They have meanwhile travelled a total of more than four million kilometres driving the BMW Hydrogen 7.

On the way to the BMW Hydrogen 7, BMW Group Research and Technology set up a large number of research projects and concept vehicles, leading to a much better understanding of hydrogen technology and the framework conditions for use in the automobile. A precursor to the BMW Hydrogen 7 was presented in 2000 as the BMW 750hL and used as a shuttle vehicle atthe Expo World Exhibition. The following years saw the BMW 750 hL driving more than 170 000 kilometres in a practical test during the "Clean Energy World Tour". Other pioneering achievements were provided by the BMW H2R hydrogen record vehicle. In September 2004, the model powered by a twelve-cylinder engine set up nine international records for hydrogen-powered vehicles with a piston engine at the BMW test track in Miramas, France. The car achieved a top speed of more than 300 km/h.

Research is currently focusing on the challenges that still have to be mastered for the application of hydrogen. Milestones are the development of a hydrogen-four-cylinder cryogenic test engine and modular hydrogen single-cylinder research engines with combustion chamber geometries similar to petrol and diesel engines that achieved outstanding levels of performanceand efficiency for hydrogen engines. The other innovations developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH in the area of hydrogen technologyinclude a variable shape tank with optimised weight made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic for storing hydrogen in the vehicle and a reformer system for generating synthesis gas as a concept for effective emission reduction inthe cold-start and catalytic-converter heating phase.

Another field of research involves tracking fuel cell technology with consistent focus on application for generating electricity to power the vehicle's on-board supply. Use of the fuel cell as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) has been undergoing development since 1997 at BMW. Consistent further development over the subsequent four generations of technology has resulted in a continuous increase in efficiency and permanently optimised compatibility with everyday use. These advances are being demonstrated with the fuel-cell hybrid vehicle on the occasion of the anniversary.

Connected Drive: networking as the key to more comfort, security and driving pleasure.

The development of electronic systems facilitates smart networking between driver, vehicle and environment, and BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has played a major role in enhancing comfort, safety and driving pleasure. Many of today's series vehicles feature driver assistance systems, mobility services, and systems for integrating external communication andentertainment modules that are based on innovations developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.

Motivated by the objective of opening up new perspectives for networking with the outside world and creating the foundations for the necessary technology, the specialists at BMW Group Forschung und Technik GmbH are working on assistance systems that extend way beyond the scope of the assistance systems integrated in current series vehicles.

Advanced assistance systems created by the research department of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH include the TrackTrainer, which is supported by a melding of highly specific data from digital mapping, GPS and video and allows racing tracks - even the North Loop of the Nürburgring - to be negotiated autonomous in an ideal line. This system is used for training purposes during BMW Driver Training.

The emergency stop assistant developed in the context of the research project "Smart-Senior - Intelligent Services for Senior Citizens" uses the capabilities developed for the TrackTrainer to enhance traffic safety. The system is able to change to autonomous drive mode if an emergency situation caused by a health problem with the driver is identified, in order to carry out a safe emergency braking manoeuvre. Apart from reliable localisation of the vehicle within the lane, precise execution of the manoeuvre primarily involves robust identification of all the vehicles in the immediate environment.

Another research project in the area of automatic driving is the garage parker debuted in 2006. This system permits independent manoeuvring of the vehicle. All drive, braking and steering functions are controlled automatically to enable the vehicle to be steered in and out of a garage where space is restricted using remote control by the driver. If required, the system also activates the warning indicators and the headlamps, as well as swinging the wing mirrors in and out. The sensors for stopping the car automatically are naturally also activated if an obstacle is encountered.

More safety and efficiency through targeted communication.

A key area of development for our research subsidiary is interchange of information between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure, known as Car-to-X Communication (Car2X). One example is transmission of information about sequence times from traffic light systems. This means that a driver assistance system can either get information about the optimum speed so that cars can hit an individual green sequence of traffic lights and travel without stopping, or issue a warning about the possibility of going through a red light. Strategic transfer of data about the traffic situation, conditions on the carriageway and other factors allow early warnings to be broadcast from one vehicle to other drivers in the immediate environment about accidents, traffic jams or the formation of black ice. It is also possible to calculate the risk of collision based on the transmitted vehicle data so that warnings can be given in advance of potential crashes at junctions. As a manufacturer of cars and motorcycles, the BMW Group is in the unique position of being able to integrate both types of vehicle in the communication scenarios.

BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH also carries out ground-breaking work in the development of revolutionary operating concepts and control systems. One example of this is the concept of an entirely innovative cockpit design presented in a second-generation BMW 3 Series compact, with the Drive Stick as the focal point. Instead of steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal, the concept vehicle has two control levers projecting vertically from the door panel and the centre console. These allow the driving direction, acceleration and deceleration to be controlled using drive-by-wire technology. The Drive Stick Car project provides a particularly vivid example of the abilities of the specialists working at BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH to ask questions about basic assumptions, deploy a high level of creativity in seeking out radically different solutions, and harness the potential of innovative technologies. The knowledge collected in this project played a major role in influencing the evelopment of the electromechanical power steering and active steering marketed for BMW series models. It also provides the typical BMW steering feeling under the conditions of power steering support.

From sailing yacht to car: Optimised Head-Up Display technology.

Their fundamental research and technology development continually encourages the researchers to look at issues that at first glance appear to be way beyond the scope of the automobile. However, over the long term the knowledge gathered in this way is channelled into projects that lead to an increase in comfort, safety and driving pleasure within the context of BMW ConnectedDrive. The team from the Technology Office located at Palo Alto in the US developed a miniature head-up display integrated in the sunglasses of the crew members in the Oracle BMW Racing Team. This system was designed for use in the ocean race for the America's Cup and allows information and commands to be transferred speedily and selectively by projecting it onto the lenses of the sunglasses. This project generated additional know-how that was used for the advanced development of the Head-up Display in the latest series vehicles of BMW.

Identification and integration of new technologies as a recipe for success: BMW ConnectedDrive Services with functionality that is unique worldwide.

Defining principles were also identified by the Technology Office in Palo Alto for integrating external communication and entertainment modules in the vehicle. The first interface for integrating the Apple iPod was developed there and this included the option of using the BMW iDrive System to control the audio function. The pioneering work carried out by BMW Research and Technology has secured BMW a unique position for the integration of external communication and entertainment systems in the vehicle. The systems and services integrated within BMW ConnectedDrive guarantee functionality that remains a world first not matched by any other automobile manufacturer worldwide.

Innovative services for future mobility solutions are already being developed today, including the technology required for these concepts. The BMW Group Technology Office Palo Alto joined forces with other technical departments to develop an iPhone application for the BMW Concept ActiveE vehicle. This application delivers vital information directly to the driver's mobile phone, including data concerning battery charge status and the potential range of the vehicle running on electric power alone.

The prototype of a multifunctional car key was also developed as a means of networking the mobility experience with the driver's lifestyle. The BMW Key is provided with a security chip that allows the driver to make cashless purchases while also enabling other functions such as memorising the e-booking for hotel rooms. The driver's key has integrated credit card functions which offer the possibility of e-booking for bus, train and air travel while in the car and storing the purchased e-tickets on the key. When using hire car or car-sharing systems, the personalised key offers additional potential because it is assigned to the owner of the vehicle rather than to the car itself.


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/concept%20car
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Chevrolet Corvette C7 To Utilise GM's Global Design Strength

GM is about to try something new: making Chevrolet's Corvette appeal to international markets. The General is soliciting designs from all ten of its styling studios, meaning that more than just American-market brains are weighing in.

Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, said that Chevrolet will draw from the General's global talent pool in designing the new Corvette.

Welburn said that the global approach to the new Corvette - a Chevrolet icon traditionally designed entirely in the US - will give the sports car an international flavour and a stronger appeal for younger buyers both at home and in the European market.
more detail. ...





Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/concept%20car
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection