Visualizzazione post con etichetta BMW. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta BMW. Mostra tutti i post

sabato 4 giugno 2011

BMW ActiveHybrid X6

ActiveHybrid X6

ActiveHybrid Advanced Turbo V-8 480 horsepower xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive 19 mpg hwy*

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6. Efficiency for every pace.

Featuring fuel efficiency made possible by BMW EfficientDynamics and impressive power you wouldn't expect from an electric motor, BMW is taking hybrids to a whole new level with the ActiveHybrid X6. The joy of driving just got even more efficient.  

Safety & Security

Rearview Camera w/ Top View

Steer in reverse as confidently as you take to the road. This smart innovation allows you to view the area behind the rear bumper and see small objects that are not ordinarily visible. It even offers interactive track lines that turn along with the steering wheel to help direct your path. And it's all in front of you on the large dashboard monitor, instead of hidden behind you. Together with the Top View Camera that covers the area at both sides of the vehicle, an area of almost 270 degrees around the vehicle is covered, which makes maneuvers under difficult circumstances a lot easier and safer. 
Park Distance Control
 Park Distance Control uses eight sensors–four in the front, four in the rear to help you judge how close you are to other cars and unseen objects when parking. While engaged in a parking maneuver, the image on the screen visually changes and warning beeps come faster as the bumper approaches a stationary object, turning into a constant tone when the distance is less than 12 inches.
 Xenon Adaptive Headlights
Our Xenon Adaptive Headlights with distinctive corona rings began as a groundbreaking idea that went on to become a major advancement in safety. Using an electromechanical system, our adaptive headlights follow the direction of the wheels. So as you begin cornering, the headlights turn into and around the bend, which allows you to see more of the road, sooner. Xenon lights, another BMW innovation, help provide clarity by emitting twice as much light as halogen light, while using half as much energy.
400hp TwinPower Turbocharged V8
The world's first hybrid Sports Activity Coupe boasts a 400-horsepower TwinPower Turbocharged V-8. An electric motor automatically gives the V-8 an extra performance-enhancing boost, and regenerative brakes actually create power each time you use them. All this means 20% less fuel consumption than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle1 without sacrificing one ounce of exhilaration. And the unique powertrain enables the ActiveHybrid X6 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.2
Brake Energy Regeneration 
The ActiveHybrid X6 can be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone or with a combination of both power units. Depending on driving conditions, the electric motors may also be used for both accelerating and regenerative application of the brakes, in which case the brake forces generated when coasting and when applying the brakes flow to the high-volt energy storage unit to provide an increase in electric power.

This energy, subsequently available for further use, need not be generated by the combustion engine and is therefore available virtually free of charge. On the road, the support provided by the electric motors in this way, referred to as ''boosting,'' serves first to give the vehicle incomparable spontaneity and a direct response; and second, to significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Two Mode Active Transmission
The innovative active transmission in the ActiveHybrid X6 combines two compact, high-performance electric motors with a transmission using fixed transmission ratios. These drive systems are connected to one another by three planetary gearsets allowing a power split covering the drive forces of the combustion engine and the electric motors in two transmission modes. Thus, a level of variability that is impossible to achieve on a conventional hybrid drivetrain is ensured thanks to the combination of the two drive sources, which are able to provide optimum power and maximum efficiency under all driving conditions and power requirements from the driver. The system also consists of a high-performance battery, power electronics with an integrated inverter module and the required cables.

The innovative system in the ActiveHybrid X6 reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent in relation to a comparable BMW running on a combustion engine alone1. And, with the two-mode system, the electric motors are very compact in size–facilitating integration into the overall vehicle and minimizing an increase in weight, which in the case of the ActiveHybrid X6, is lower than conventional hybrid cars while still offering comparable power.
Dynamic Performance Control 
Fusing with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, to allow for new directional stability and precision in all conditions, Dynamic Performance Control varies power between the two rear wheels to improve control and pulling force on different surfaces. 
xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive system
 
Unlike other all-wheel-drive systems, we've built ours with rear wheel bias for surefooted grip on slick roads, without sacrificing the feel of rear wheel drive. It smartly sends power to the wheel or wheels with the surest footing - and it does so in milliseconds. That means under normal conditions, drive forces are spread out with a rear-wheel bias. But the moment the system senses excessive wheel slip, it subtly shifts torque to meet the changing conditions, offering maximum available traction and superior handling on all surfaces.

Entertainment
6-Disc DVD Changer
Located in the glovebox, the easily accessible six-disc changer accommodates six discs, as well as single-feed, supports multi-channel sources, and plays compressed audio formats. The DVD changer plays video on the iDrive screen when the vehicle is stationary (requires Navigation system).
Premium Hi-Fi System
The ActiveHybrid X6 doesn't just play music. It offers an immersive 10-speaker high-fidelity surround system, with a digital 7-channel amplifier, 205 watts of power and a six-disc multimedia changer. The result? Dynamic sound throughout the cabin. When it comes to what passengers listen to through this system, the possibilities are limitless. The optional multimedia adaptor plugs into iPhones, iPods, and other MP3 devices for stereo playback. Skip tracks, access up to five playlists, store music on the 12 GB hard drive, and adjust the volume through the ActiveHybid X6's steering wheel controls or iDrive controller. Over 1,300 nationwide AM and FM stations are available with HD Radio technology, while over 600 stations also include multicasting options, displaying the artist and track names of songs as they play. In addition, there’s optional SIRIUS Satellite radio, which offers 60 commercial-free music stations and more than 40 news, sports and entertainment stations. The first year subscription is included. 
Rear Seat Entertainment
Give your back-seat passengers more to watch than the passing scenery. The ActiveHybrid X6 boasts an optional rear-seat entertainment system with a vibration-resistant display and optional wireless headphones - allowing you and your front-seat passenger to simultaneously enjoy your own music.

The vehicle's standard sound system comes with a seven-channel digital amplifier that delivers 205 watts of power, complete with subwoofers that are discreetly hidden under the front seats. And an auxiliary input lets you plug in your own iPod or other audio devices so you can enjoy a personal soundtrack for every trip you take. 
iPod/iPhone USB Integrated System
When we wanted to connect an MP3 player directly to our vehicle's sound system, we went straight to the experts at Apple. Together, we created the world's first seamless integrated system of iPod and automobile. Just plug your iPod or iPhone into the adapter accessory. Control the volume and your playlists through the multifunction steering wheel, while your iPod or iPhone stays out of view with a constant flow of power. There's also a convenient, standard auxiliary input jack, which allows you to play any MP3 through the audio system.
Luggage/Cargo Capacity
 With 25.6 cubic feet of trunk storage and a massive 59.7 cubic feet of seat-down storage, the ActiveHybrid X6 boasts incredible room. Bigger than the Porsche Cayenne with the rear seats down, the space comfortably fits everything you’d ever want from a weekend’s worth of camping equipment to golf bags for you and three friends.
Head-Up Display
The optional Head-Up Display helps keep driver's eyes forward by projecting warning signals on the windshield. This improves both driver comfort and safety to both driver and passengers.
Climate Control & Ventilation
Electronic climate zone controls allow the driver to select a lower air temperature for around the head and chest than in the footwell. With automatic recirculation control, when a sensor detects certain pollutants in the air, such as carbon monoxide or ethanols, it automatically switches to recirculating air. Twin active-charcoal micro-filters significantly help reduce air pollutants, such as dust, bacteria and odors, from entering the cabin.
Onboard Navigation System with Traffic Alerts
With the route taken care of, you can concentrate on more important things - like enjoying every twist and turn along the way. Our optional onboard navigation system, controlled via iDrive, uses GPS satellites, a digital map and, where available, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) to guide you to your destination. Choose the fastest route, the shortest route or the one that avoids traffic. Where available, traffic information is received by a separate radio tuner and then displayed on the navigation system. You don't have to listen to a specific radio station, or even have the radio on, to receive updates every few minutes. And you can see everything clearly on the large, high-resolution screen. 
Gallery
Source by BMWUSA

venerdì 11 giugno 2010

BMW Recalls, Halts Sales of 1 Series Models; Cites Fire Risk

New information released on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website shows that BMW is recalling all 1 Series models sold in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010 for a potential fire risk.

According to the manufacturer, cars built between December 1, 2007, and May 27, 2010, may not have sufficient clearance between the seatbelt tensioners and the sound insulation in the B-pillars. Should a crash occur, the tensioners could overheat. In rare instances, the excess temperature could possibly ignite the insulation material.


BMW has not yet released a fix for the issue, but has notified NHTSA of the recall and halted sales of all 1 Series models until it rectifies the design issue. BMW will notify owners of the recall shortly and provide updated information to NHTSA when it has a fix. For more information, contact your local BMW dealership.

Source: NHTSA automobilemag

Report: Saab in Talks with BMW on Underpinnings, Engines for Revived 92

It’s no secret that Saab is hard at work on plans to reintroduce its 92, but it’ll need some help to before the car can be produced. The automaker is preparing to enter into talks with BMW to do just that.

Instead of developing a costly platform from scratch, Saab is in talks with BMW to source underpinnings for the car. Saab is reportedly eyeing Mini’s architecture to underpin the new 92. Saab CEO Victor Muller wants the brand’s new model to closely resemble the teardrop shape of the original car, which was dropped from the Saab lineup in 1956.


According to the report, Saab is also looking into sourcing engines and transmissions from Mini. Mini currently offers 1.6-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines here in the States, and 1.4-liter gasoline and 1.6-liter diesel I-4 powerplants are available also. Transmission choices are limited to six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

With Saab trying to regain market share, this would be a great move for the marque, but the 92 would be a direct competitor of the Mini Cooper. Although producing components in larger quantities would be beneficial to lower costs, we’re not sure it’s a great idea for Mini to bolster its own competition.

Would it be a good move for Mini to help Saab, or would it cannibalize its own sales?

Source: Reuters and automobilemag

sabato 5 giugno 2010

etro Repeat: BMW 328 Coupe Wins 2010 Mille Miglia

Seventy years after a BMW 328 first won the event, a 328 Touring Coupe managed to win this year's 1000-mile Mille Miglia race in Italy.

Despite the car's age (it rolled off the line back in 1940), drivers Giuliano Cané and Lucia Galliani suffered no technical issues, although arriving at the event was itself a feat. As was the case back in 1940, the BMW wasn't trucked to the starting line, but driven nearly 300 miles from the company's museum in Munich, Germany, to the checkpoint in Brescia, Italy. Such was the case for the 328 piloted by Enzo Ciravolo and Maria Lietner that ultimately finished third.

Although the cars proved reliable, the race was still quite a challenge. The 1000-mile route takes teams throughout Italy, providing them with both 80-degree heat near the Adriatic Sea and frigid temperatures in the Alps. In a brilliant marketing move, BMW provided drivers -- especially those who fielded the roofless 328 Roadster -- with insulated clothing from its motorcycle accessory range.

"Victory by Cané and Galliani, along with the third place finish of Ciravolo and Leitner, is a marvelous example of teamwork," said Karl Baumer, the director of BMW Classic. "Both the blind understanding between the crews inside the cars and the cooperation with the mechanics along the way worked out perfectly. For that, I would like to say 'thank you' to all those involved."

Source: BMW

Fast Art: Jeff Koons’ BMW M3 GT2 Art Car Revealed

We’ve seen previews of BMW’s latest Art Car, but we hadn’t seen the finished product -- a M3 GT2 racer decorated by artist Jeff Koons -- until its official unveiling in Paris this morning.

With its 17th Art Car, BMW is returning to its roots, and actually racing the Koons-styled GT2 in the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first Art Car -- a 1975 3.0 CSL -- was the brainchild of driver Hervè Poulain, who commissioned artist Alexander Calder to dress up the exterior. Poulain ultimately raced the car at Le Mans that year, while two other Art Cars -- a 1976 3.0 CSL decorated by Frank Stella, and a 1979 M1 Procar painted by Andy Warhol -- also competed in the endurance race.

Unlike those early Art Cars, Koons’ product isn’t actually painted. Thanks to both a tight timeframe and the weight-conscious mindset of BMW’s racing directors, Koons applied his radical pattern to the M3 GT2 with a vinyl wrap. Better yet, the vinyl wrap process allows Koons’ design to be applied to a number of spare parts -- important, should the M3 suffer a collision during the Le Mans event.

Before crafting his design, Koons was given the chance to witness the M3 GT2 in action for inspiration. According to the artist, he was reportedly inspired by the “raw, unfiltered performance” of the GT2, and decided to give the M3 a design that gives the impression of motion even when at a standstill.

“These race cars are like life; they are powerful and there is a lot of energy,” Koons said. “You can participate with it, add to it, and let yourself transcend with its energy. There is a lot of power under that hood and I want to let my ideas transcend with the car -- it’s really to connect with that power.”

Koons’ M3 GT2 was unveiled earlier today at Paris’ Centre Pompidou, the same venue Roy Lichtenstein used to unveil his 320i Art Car back in 1977. The car will be on public display today, before the car heads to Circuit de la Sarthe for the 24 Hours on June 12 and 13.

Source: BMW