Mini E UK trials reveal ease of EV use

Almost all of the 138 participants who took part in the Mini E trials, said they’d consider buying an electric car.

These are the findings, which were published today by Mini after a yearlong field test in which 62 members of the public and 76 pool users were given Mini E's and the results collated. The findings have also highlighted that the average cost per mile came in at under 2p, the equivalent of £60 per six months charge on average.

Four out of five people said that 80 per cent of their trips could be covered by the Mini E, rising to 90 per cent of trips with the addition of rear seats and a bigger boot.

Over the one-year period, over 250,000 miles were recorded on UK roads, with the average distance driven coming in at just under 30 miles per day. Interestingly, virtually all the car’s recharging took place at home at an average of 2.9 times per week.

The results also found that a full charge enabled the Mini E to travel a distance of 90 miles, although cold weather affected its range, according to 84 per cent of owners.

Driver enjoyment was a big factor noted by the results, too. With its 201bhp power figure, all participants agreed that “electric vehicles are fun to drive,” thanks in part to the car’s fast pick-up and quick accelaration”.

Finally, the findings have revealed that only one week was needed by people to adapt to the peculiarities of driving an EV, including charging, regenerative braking and near silence during driving.

The test results will be used to help develop the all-new BMW i3 - an electric city car due in 2013 – as well as the 2011 BMW ActiveE, a four-seater based on the current 1-series.

The BMW i3 EV Concept & i8 Hybrid Concept [video]

More promotional video of the i3 EV Concept & i8 Hybrid Concept provided by BMW.

BMW i8 Concept: First Look

BMW's first plug-in hybrid vehicle will focus not just in saving the earth, but also on satisfying its driver's need for speed. Like the Chevrolet Volt, the BMW i8 concept combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric drivetrain. According to BMW, the i8 can be as fuel-efficient as the best hybrid cars, while still delivering sports car-like performance.

An electric motor drives the front wheels, while a traditional gasoline engine drives the rears. The i8 can thus act as a front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive car depending on which power sources are running. An "energy tunnel" containing the battery and drivetrain electronics runs down the middle of the vehicle, connecting the two axles.

The electric motor and engine peak at a combined 349 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That means the 0-to-62-mph sprint requires just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically restricted to 155 mph. BMW says overall economy in European testing will be 2.7 liters per 100 kilometers, or 87 mpg. In real-world driving, the company expects the i8 to return mileage of 33 to 47 mpg. As gloating company executives note, no other production car can return the same combination of performance and economy.

The front-mounted electric motor is the same unit used in the i3 electric-car concept, but it is slightly modified to offer 128 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Because the i8 also has a gasoline engine, the electric motor's battery pack is significantly smaller than that in the i3. The i8 has an all-electric driving range of about 20 miles and can be fully charged in just under two hours. The electric motor can also recharge the battery, acting as a "through the road" hybrid system that can bolster the engine's output.

At the rear axle, a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produces 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. BMW would only tell us that the engine is mated to an "automatic" transmission with "enough" speeds. It may be a traditional automatic or perhaps a dual-clutch unit. However, BMW doesn't think the transmission in the i8 is very important to discuss as the electric motor provides plenty of torque regardless of the gasoline engine's operating speed or gear.

i8 Concept. The electric motor in the i8 Concept has been adopted from the BMW i3 Concept and modified for use in the i8 Concept’s plug-in hybrid power train—i.e., for operation with a smaller battery pack and in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. It drives the front axle, while a 164 kW/220 hp turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine developing up to 300 N·m (221 lb-ft) of torque drives the rear axle. Together, the two drive units take the vehicle to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Like the electric motor, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine was developed entirely in-house by the BMW Group.

A high-voltage generator attached to the internal combustion engine can generate power for recharging the batteries. This option is only used to increase the range of the vehicle while out on the road, and is not intended as a substitute for stationary recharging at an electric power socket.

Locating the electric motor at the front axle of the BMW i8 Concept optimizes braking energy recuperation, since the front axle is where greater braking forces are developed due to the dynamic wheel load shift when decelerating. Whenever there is a chance to recuperate braking energy, intelligent driving dynamics systems make the most of it, taking into account traction conditions and driving situation, without compromising stability and dynamics, BMW says. This allows very high levels of braking energy recuperation even in the wet or in snow. Depending on requirements, braking is initially provided by the recuperation function and only when more powerful braking is required is the conventional brake system engaged.

BMW i3 Concept: First Look

BMW has finally given us our first official, undisguised look at its futuristic, all-electric city car. For now the i3 is still labeled a concept, but this car is much more complete than the MegaCity concept that preceded it. The four-passenger i3 concept is perhaps the most advanced take on electric cars yet, and draws on BMW's experience with a fleet of 600 Mini E and 1000 BMW ActiveE electric cars. Unlike those cars, however, which were traditional cars converted to electric drive, the i3 was developed from the ground up to accommodate electric propulsion.

The i3 is built around a new chassis concept called LifeDrive, which divides the vehicle into sections for Life, the passenger compartment, and Drive, the powertrain and battery. For the i3, the bottom half of the car is the Drive section, and is made mostly of lightweight aluminum; the Life passenger compartment sits on top and is built from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Employing these lightweight materials keeps the i3's weight down to just 2750 pounds. The Nissan Leaf, for comparison, tips the scales at 3366 pounds.

BMW says that CFRP is as strong as but 50 percent lighter than steel. The entire Life CFRP shell weighs less than 220 pounds. Better yet, it never rusts and reportedly offers better protection than steel in a crash. CFRP only forms the Life sections' shell, however, as replaceable plastic panels form the i3's true bodywork. The Life section slots on top of the Drive chassis and is attached with strong adhesives and four bolts.

The i3's electric motor was developed by BMW because the company wanted tight control over the feel and performance of its powertrains. It is said to be 40 percent smaller than the similar motor used in the Mini E. It is rated at 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and has a single-speed transmission. The motor is located directly above the rear axle, making the i3 a rear-wheel-drive vehicle and also keeping the front-rear weight balance even.

The motor is fed by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted under the floor of the passenger compartment. This means there is no intrusion or transmission tunnel in the cabin, and also helps keep the i3's center of gravity low for better handling and stability. BMW wouldn't specify the battery's storage capacity.

Though the maximum range per charge is rated at 140 miles, BMW admits real-world i3 mileage will be between 80 and 100 miles -- approximately on par with the range offered by the Nissan Leaf. Data from the Mini E trials taught BMW that a battery range of 74 to 93 miles would satisfy 90 percent of all drivers. The i3 concept can reach 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 93 mph because BMW says higher velocities would drain the battery too quickly.

A full charge is said to take just six hours via a standard European outlet, while an optional fast-charger yields an 80-percent charge in just one hour. Charge times on American 120-volt outlets will likely be longer.

i3 Concept. The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept is designed primarily for operation in an urban environment. Already tested in a pre-production version in the BMW ActiveE, the version of this permanently excited hybrid synchronous motor which will be used in the BMW i3 Concept has undergone further optimization in terms of weight and driveability.

A single-speed gearbox accelerates the BMW i3 Concept to an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph). The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-60 km/h (37 mph) in less than four seconds and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds. The motor is located directly above the drive axle, for optimal and typical BMW rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics.

With the dual accelerator/decelerator function of the accelerator pedal approximately 75% of all braking operations around town can be performed by energy recuperation which generates a braking effect, BMW says. Intensive use of this energy recuperation function of the electric motor can increase the driving range by up to 20 per cent. Only when the driver’s braking request exceeds a given level is the conventional brake system of the BMW i3 Concept engaged as well.

A coasting facility makes this single-pedal control of acceleration and braking using just the accelerator even more user-friendly. The BMW i3 Concept features a distinct “neutral” position of the accelerator pedal—i.e. rather than switching straight to recuperation when the driver eases off the pedal, the electric motor’s zero torque control keeps the drive train disconnected as long as the pedal is in this position. The vehicle now coasts without consuming power, driven by its own kinetic energy. Used as part of a proactive driving style, this coasting mode is a way to increase the driving range even further.

BMW developed the motor and power electronics for the i3 Concept entirely in-house. The space requirements of the electric motor used in the BMW i3 Concept have been reduced by 40% compared with the motor used in the MINI E. This compact drive unit is mounted over the rear axle, together with the power electronics, transmission and differential, causing no loss of interior space.

The BMW i3 Concept’s battery system has also undergone detailed optimization which reduces the extent to which external factors can influence the vehicle’s power and driving range. An integrated liquid cooling system keeps the battery at its optimal operating temperature at all times, helping to boost the performance and life expectancy of the cells. The climate/heating system cools the fluid circulating in the battery housing via a heat exchanger.

If necessary, in winter, this fluid can also be heated in order to bring the battery up to its optimal operating temperature of around 20 °C. The battery can be fully recharged in six hours at a standard power socket. If a high-speed charger is used, an 80% charge can be achieved in just one hour.

Optional range extender. The BMW i3 Concept offers an optional Range Extender, the REx, which allows the electric driving range to be increased. REx, a small gasoline engine, drives a generator which maintains the battery charge level and therefore extends the range of the electric motor. As soon as the battery charge reaches a critical level, REx supplies the necessary energy to get the driver the rest of the way to the destination.

The compact size of the electric motor used in the BMW i3 Concept means there is room left over to accommodate REx and its attached generator over the rear axle, alongside the drive components. The gasoline engine complies with the SULEV standard. To reduce fuel consumption to a minimum, REx also features such functions as Automatic Start-Stop and other intelligent operating strategies.

BMW Shows Off Electric Concept Cars [video]

BMW AG on Friday presented two concept cars for the first generation of electric vehicles to be launched under its new sub-brand i starting in 2013, and said it will invest in a company named Parkatmyhouse, which offers a service to rent out private parking space via Internet or smart-phone application.

The upcoming i3 “will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon,” BMW research and development chief Klaus Draeger said during a presentation in Frankfurt.

BMW didn’t elaborate on the expected annual sales volume, but Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner noted that in terms of earnings per vehicle the new cars will contribute to the company’s targeted earnings before interest and taxes margin range of between 8% and 10%. Making electric cars economically viable despite expensive components such as the battery is a key challenge for the global auto industry.

The world’s largest luxury-car maker by sales volume will initially launch two new vehicles under the new sub-brand, the BMW i3 and the BMW i8, which will be launched in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and built at BMW’s German plant in Leipzig. The i3 will be a purely electric powered car for urban areas. The i8 will be based on the plug-in hybrid sportscar concept BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.

The new sub-brand is the outcome of BMW’s Project i, a task force established in 2007 to explore future mobility concepts and one of the Munich-based firm’s most important think tanks. It is a cornerstone of BMW’s plan to expand in the field of alternative drivetrains and green technology, making cars more environmentally friendly to comply with tightening emission regulations world-wide.

In November, BMW said it will invest around €530 million and create more than 1,000 jobs, together with its joint-venture partner SGL Carbon SE, as part of its plan to launch the new megacity vehicle and start producing carbon fiber components to reduce the vehicle’s weight.
Both companies forged a U.S. joint-venture to produce carbon fiber in Moses Lake, Wash.
BMW has named SB LiMotive, a joint venture between Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. and Robert Bosch GmbH, as the battery supplier for the new car. The battery is a key component for electric vehicles as it determines the range and performance of the car.

How Its Made: Production of the BMW ActiveE begins [video]

Just a few years ago, the zero-emission vehicle seemed little more than a dream to Mirco Schwarze, a team leader at the BMW plant in Leipzig.

Now, just a couple of years later, the BMW ActiveE is rolling off the assembly line in Leipzig. More information at

Youtube

BMW Agoura - Treat Yourself To One Of Their Cars Today

The experience of driving your newly purchased Agoura BMW Service would be absolutely brilliant. When you have decided to purchase a new car, it is important to do some research and collect some data to make the right decision. When thinking of acquiring a new car in Agoura, you should give some serious consideration to BMW.

Being in the market for a new car, these ideas will make the process easier. First, you should try and purchase your car between August and November. This is when the new car models arrive on the lot and if you shop at this time, and you will have the largest selection of new models at Orange County BMW Dealer than any other time of the year.

In addition, make sure to inquire about sales and promotions that may be occurring at this time of year as well. Most prices are flexible and the advertised price can also be negotiated to a more suitable rate.

The process of buying a BMW should not be impulsive. Make a note of all your needs as well as your wants. Also, do not get too influenced by car salesmen who may try to sway you into buying a car that does not meet your requirements or is more costly than you can afford. Car shopping on weekdays can provide you with more personal attention from people at a car dealership as the dealerships are less busy on weekdays than they are on weekends.

When you arrive at the car dealership, you should have a good idea of what kind of car you might be interested in purchasing as well as how much to spend on one. This will make the entire car buying experience much simpler. You should also consider bringing a friend or relative with you when car shopping. They can help you determine if the price is fair or if the salesman is trying to pressure you into buying.

Purchasing a used car can be an excellent means to obtain the BMW you desire while paying less. You can get an almost new car that has only been slightly used and significantly cheaper than a brand new car. Used BMW's are inspected with great care, so you can be certain that the cars there are in fine form. Nonetheless, there are certain things you should think about.

When you arrive at the dealership, you should already know what type of BMW you are interested in purchasing as well as how much you are able to afford. Compare the prices of other similar cars to determine the approximate value of the car you are interested in.

Prior Design Body Kits 2011 Version Widebody BMW E92 M3

Widebody version, of course, a completely new development. Body kit consists of new front bumper with large air intakes, and an entirely new hat with air vents similar to those in the GT2 BMW M3 from the old motor-racing courses. A set of side skirts make the car look lower, while the rear bumper actually receive new and diffuser. Wide body kit of the most striking in the mudguards. The front mudguards built a completely new, while the mudguards on the rear axle is widened by a few inches on each side.
Once again, the designers at Prior Design has raised the bar: With a body kit BMW M3 coupe model lookalike for three series now, tuner from Kamp-Lintfort plants have produced an absolute masterpiece. Following the ‘tame’ version, which appeared in August this year, from versions of widebody, to suit all E92 models with the exception of M3 real, and thus change every clone M3 coupe into the original.
New body kit also contains a spoiler on the boot lid, as well as on the roof, which are both also available in carbon fiber. It should also be noted that according to the M3 rear bumper exhaust systems and exhaust all other versions, except for the 335i. Before Design also offers a stainless steel exhaust system specially designed in a style that fit M3 body kit with new widebody, which can be purchased from EUR 1,499.00. In the case of reduction, the tuner from Kamp-Lintfort plants have relied on the quality of the KW coil-over kit, which allows individual adjustment of the tension and pressure.
As usual, the components of the new M3 body kit is made from Duraflex, the material is very flexible and very stable. And, of course, there is a TÜV parts certificate as valid for each component, for the smooth registration.
Price:
Widebody body kit: from EUR 2999 .-
Bonnet: € 1,390 .-
Rear spoiler: EUR 299 .-
The roof spoiler: EUR 299 .-
Front spoiler lip: EUR 449 .-
M3 style exhaust system: € 1,499 .-
Assembly and paint: Price on application
All other information, and pricing and delivery information, available directly from:
Prior Design
Robert-Bosch-Str. 11
47475 Kamp-Lintfort plants
Tel: 028 42 / 975 700
Fax: 028 42 / 975 010
www.prior-design.de
Email: info@prior-design.de

Technology and Modifications 2011 G-Power BMW M6 Hurricane RR

Technology and Modifications 2011 G-Power BMW M6 Hurricane RR, the inside of the machine ten-valve four-cylinder has been optimized by lightweight, high performance, precisely balanced Mahle forged pistons with lower compression and stiffness increased. Dedicated components are also needed in the production-series con rod and piston pin, which is not set up to handle a significant increase in strength. Modifications to the electronic engine mapping also contributes to a higher peak output of 800 hp / 588 kW at rpm between 7500 and 8000. Maximum torque of 800 Nm produced at 5000 rpm. Of course, these numbers incredible performance delivered by the G-POWER M6 Hurricane RR top speed is not limited to its own. With less than 4.35 seconds from 0-100 km / h, coupé nearly two-ton set the same standards as impressive as it takes 9.5 seconds to 200 km / h and 24.9 seconds to sign 300.

G-POWER M6 BMW M6 Hurricane based RR: Coupé world’s fastest 4-seat. After the G-POWER M5 RS storm with bi-supercharger engine and 750 hp / 551 kW to break the record for “fastest sedan in the world” at the end of 2008 with a speed of 367.4 km / h, G-POWER to go one step further in in 2010, taking an existing data to a new all time best of 372 km / h with the next evolution of the same car – M5 RR storm.

800 hp 588 kW V10 bi-supercharger engine familiar from the G-POWER M5 RR storm is now also available in coupé BMW’s full size, making the G-POWER M6 Coupé RR storm the world’s fastest 4-seat. Improvement of the power required to come further developed version of the system 750 hp / 551 kW bi-RS SK III supercharger, with the evolution of 800 hp featuring two ASA T1-316 radial supercharger. Air cargo, which is a pre-compressed in two supercharger, cooled to enhance performance by double-flow, cost of air-cooled chilled water system is finished in orange G-POWER’s characteristics. This complex aluminum casting replaces the standard airbox above the engine production and, because of the short intake tract, facilitating spontaneous throttle response is the same as the series production machines, combined, however, with substantial increases in torque.

Along with BMW’s most powerful engine ever to power a street-legal BMW M6, aerodynamics also play an important role. Thus, RR storm has been equipped with G-POWER front skirts and carbon fiber rear spoiler for greater aerodynamic downforce at high speed.

G-POWER M6 Hurricane RR maintaining its relationship to the street with 20-inch G-POWER Silverstone Clubsport wheels forged dressed 255/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20 rubber. Optimized for performance, of course, be a priority in this department too. As a result, all-new Silverstone Clubsport forged alloy wheels, measuring 9.0 x 20 inches and 10.5 x 20 inches, no heavier than the series-production wheels, although they are much larger dimensions.

Further contributors to the high speed capabilities of the storm M6 RR is G-POWER high-performance braking system and the G-POWER RS coil-over sport suspension, with 9-way adjustment for compression and rebound plus a remote variable height adjustment.

Exclusive nature of this car is clearly indicated by a tachometer that measures up to 400 km / h, carbon fiber panels look to the dashboard, center console and door trim, and the G-POWER ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and very tactile layered perforated Nappa leather Kjerba.

G-POWER M6 Hurricane RR available for order as a complete vehicle from G-POWER in Autenzell, Germany. G-POWER technology the same machine is also available in versions of 750 hp for the BMW M5 and M6 at the moment. G-POWER RS SK III bi-supercharger conversion engine with 750 hp / 551 kW is offered at a price of USD 56 000 (net plus assembly).

BMW M5 Concept

We received our first taste of the new M5 Concept during the weekend thanks to a series of photos that leaked from a press event in Germany, but today, BMW came out with an official release detailing its sports saloon ahead of its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai 2011 in China later this month.

The Concept M5 is essentially 99 percent production ready, so don’t expect any surprises in terms of styling at the presentation of the production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year.

The highlight of the fifth generation of the M5 will be the new twin-turbocharged V8 engine lurking under the bonnet. BMW officials have already confirmed that the engine is a development of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 555HP and 680Nm or 501 lb-ft of peak torque, tweaked to deliver more power. However, the German company is still keeping mum on output numbers.

What BMW did disclose is that compared to the fourth generation of the M5’s 507HP V10 power unit, the newly developed V8 turbo has a significantly increased output level, whilst at the same time lowering previous fuel consumption and emission levels by at least 25 percent.

In the new M5, power is delivered to the rear wheels by a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which was specifically tuned to the new V8 engine’s performance characteristics. The M5 also gets an Auto Start Stop function.

BMW added that the F10 M5 will feature exclusive M suspension components such as the inter alia, the wheel suspension systems, specific axle kinematics as well as powerful and weight-optimised brakes. A new Active M Differential that optimises vehicle stability using targeted variation of locking torque between the right and left drive wheels, plus 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod tires size 265/35 ZR20 at the front and 265/35 ZR20 at the back, are also part of the package.

As for the car’s exterior, BMW’s designers opted for a discrete appearance with a typical M-style front bumper, side gills on the front fenders, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser that houses twin tailpipes on either side, and a barely visible boot lid spoiler.

BMW won’t reveal anything on the interior with the Shanghai Show concept’s windows being completely blacked out, but expect to see the typical M model styling traits such as the sport seats and steering wheel, bespoke interior trim and an M-specific instrument panel.

GALLERY

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