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Thursday 30 June 2011

BMW X1 EfficientDynamics.

BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics.

The BMW X1, the very first and still the only premium vehicle in its segment, continues to extend its pioneering position in the field of fuel efficiency. In the autumn of 2011, the model diversity across the range of the compact all-rounder will be complemented by the BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition. This model, which was systematically designed to provide driving pleasure simultaneously combined with reduced fuel consumption and emission levels, is powered by a 120 kW/163 hp four-cylinder diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. With an average fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100 km and a CO2 emission level of 119 grams per kilometre it achieves best marks for efficiency in a BMW X model. Furthermore, from the autumn of 2011, a newly developed four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will be available for the BMW X1. The 135 kW/184 hp power unit also sets new standards in the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions within its performance class, with values ranging from 7.1 litres and 165 grams for the BMW X1 sDrive20i and 7.7 litres (automatic: 7.6 litres) and 179 grams (177 grams) for the BMW X1 xDrive20i.

The consistent deployment of highly efficient engines and BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard helps BMW X models also achieve brand-typical driving pleasure combined with exemplary fuel economy and low emission levels. The BMW X1’s outstanding efficiency is a fundamental part of its premium character, which is unique within the competitive environment and also underscored by high-class workmanship, elaborated functionality, a variable interior and numerous equipment features. The BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition raises the relation between sporty and athletic agility and fuel economy to a new level. Its 2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, whose BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises a supercharging system with variable turbine geometry and Common Rail injection, generates a maximum output of 120 kW/163 hp between 3 250 und 4 200 rpm. Maximum torque of 380 Nm is available between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm.

The engine has been optimised in detail in order to achieve an exceptionally high degree of efficiency. Special model-specific features include a centrifugal force pendulum in the dual-mass flywheel, which compensates vibration experienced at low engine speeds, thus providing more riding comfort when the vehicle is driven within the economic low engine speed range. The gear-shift point indicator fitted as standard has been adapted to suit the new engine characteristics. Moreover, standard features also include brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function, electromechanical power steering, a disengageable air-conditioning compressor and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. The BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition also features a longer rear axle drive ratio and specific light alloys in the Streamline design.

Furthermore, the BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition features newly conceived insulation technology for reducing engine noise that is perceptible inside the vehicle. The noise optimisation measures will be deployed as from the autumn of 2011 in all further diesel versions of the BMW X1.

The petrol engine variants of the BMW X1 also present themselves as pacesetters for ever-increasing driving pleasure combined with optimised efficiency. The BMW X1 xDrive28i is now being followed by further models featuring a new generation of four-cylinder combustion engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The technology package featured on the 2-litre four-cylinder power unit for the BMW X1 sDrive20i with rear-wheel drive and the BMW X1 xDrive20i with intelligent four-wheel drive comprises a supercharging system according to the Twin Scroll principle, the direct injection system High Precision Injection and variable valve control VALVETRONIC. This combination guarantees not only spontaneous response and sporty power delivery even in the higher load ranges, but also favourable fuel consumption that is outstanding for petrol engines in this performance class.

Maximum power output of the new engine is 135 kW/184 hp, which is made available between 5 000 and 6 250 rpm, whilst maximum torque of 270 Nm is achieved between 1 250 and 4 500 rpm. Thanks to its supreme pulling power and sporting performance, the BMW X1 sDrive20i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and the BMW X1 xDrive20i in 7.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption of 7.1 litres/100 km as per the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 165 grams are applicable to the BMW X1 sDrive20i both in conjunction with the standard six-speed manual gearbox as well as with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW X1 xDrive20i achieves an average fuel consumption of 7.7 litres/100 km (automatic: 7.6 litres) and a CO2 emission level of 179 (177) grams per kilometre. The standard BMW Efficient Dynamics technology package featured on both models comprises in addition to brake energy regeneration and on-demand control of ancillary components also the Auto Start Stop function and the gear-shift point indicator for vehicles with manual transmission as well as electromechanical power steering on the BMW X1 sDrive20i.

With the introduction of the new engines, the drive portfolio of the BMW X1 will increase in the autumn of 2011 to a total of three petrol and four diesel power units with a power output spectrum ranging from 105 kW/143 hp to 180 kW/245 hp. All told, there is a choice of ten model variants, five of them featuring characteristic BMW power transmission to the rear wheels and five with the electronically controlled four-wheel drive system xDrive.

The entry-level model from the BMW X family attains additional appeal through optimisation of the suspension technology as well as an extended range of optional equipment. The standard stability control feature DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) has been supplemented on the rear-wheel drive diesel models by the dry braking and fading compensation functions. The models BMW X1 sDrive20i, BMW X1 sDrive28i, BMW X1 xDrive20i, BMW X1 xDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive20d are equipped in addition with the brake stand-by function and a hill-start assistant. The BMW Individual roof rail system High Gloss Shadow Line will also be available in future as an individual option and thus not only in conjunction with the M Sport Package for the BMW X1. Moreover, the optional range of BMW ConnectedDrive features will be supplemented as from the autumn of 2011 by the Real-Time Traffic Information function.

Labels: BMW X1, BMW xDrive, Facebook, motortradesolutions.net, Social Media Management, Twitter

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Monday 27 June 2011

BMW M3 CRT.

BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology).

Carbon Racing Technology: BMW M GmbH factory produces a limited-edition high-performance sports car based on the BMW M3 Sedan – Innovative use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic minimizes weight – Weight-to-power ratio: 3.5 kilograms per horsepower.

Munich/Nürburg, June 24th, 2011…BMW M GmbH used the M Night Event in the lead-up to the Nürburgring 24-hour race to unveil a spectacular new addition to its model range. The BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) embodies a concentrated blend of state-of-the-art development expertise – inspired directly by motorsport – in the areas of drive system, chassis technology and intelligent lightweight design. It also represents the worldwide debut of a new production process for carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in the automotive industry. This process allows CFRP to be introduced widely in the construction of the high-performance BMW M3 Sedan-based sports car created by the BMW M GmbH factory. And that helps it achieve a weight-to-power ratio of 3.5 kilograms per horsepower (7.7 lbs/hp). A V8 engine with customary M high-revving characteristics and maximum output of 331 kW/450 hp accelerates the BMW M3 CRT from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The BMW M3 CRT will be produced by the BMW M GmbH factory in a limited run of 67 units. Due to the very limited worldwide volume, the BMW M3 CRT will not be homologated for sale in the USA.

Following in the tire tracks of the BMW M3 GTS – of which 135 examples were produced – this is the second small-series, high-performance M3 off-shoot to be bred for the race track but registered for the road. The exclusive character of the Sedan is emphasized by special lightweight design components manufactured as part of an innovative production process. The hood of the BMW M3 CRT and the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are made from a cellular carbon honeycomb, which is produced in a globally unique process pioneered for the manufacture of body components for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models.

Innovative manufacturing process for lightweight CFRP components.

These new models – due to enter volume production in 2013 and equipped with innovative electric and BMW ActiveHybrid drive system technology – will feature a body consisting entirely of CFRP in the passenger cell area. In a new development, the production process introduced for this purpose enables the cuttings left behind in the construction of the body to be reprocessed. The basic material (made up of carbon fiber thread) can now be woven into CFRP mats of any size before being impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened in a similar way to the material used in the body of the BMW i3 and BMW i8. For the BMW M3 CRT this allows the creation of a hood made from two CFRP moldings encasing an aramid honeycomb structure. This construction imbues the hood with the strength of a conventional steel equivalent, but at roughly a quarter of its weight. The weight saving over the aluminum hood of the standard BMW M3 Sedan is around 50 percent.

The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car’s bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channeling element integrated into its front fascia.

This innovative manufacturing process opens up considerable potential for increased use of CFRP in series-produced cars as a means of lowering weight. The BMW Group is leading the way in this area of automotive construction, while BMW M GmbH can call on extensive racing expertise when it comes to intelligent lightweight design. The BMW M3 CRT is the latest in a fine tradition of highly exclusive high-performance sports cars optimized with the help of lightweight design. This lineage stretches back to the BMW 3.0 CSL of the 1970s and reached another high point in 2002 with the BMW M3 CSL. BMW M GmbH also broke new ground with the use of CFRP in series-produced vehicles; like the BMW M6 produced up to 2010, the current BMW M3 Coupe comes as standard with a roof made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.

Significant weight reduction despite generous standard equipment.

The low-weight construction of the BMW M3 CRT is enhanced by sound-proofing configured specially for the new variant and a sports exhaust system with an extremely lightweight titanium muffler. Also unique to the CRT are the two individual rear seats, which take their cues from the lateral support-enhancing contours of the front seats.

Included in the standard specification of the BMW M3 CRT are the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, Navigation system Professional, BMW Individual High End audio system, a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package, an alarm system and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. Despite this extremely generous selection of standard kit, its DIN unladen weight of 1,580 kg (3485 lbs) undercuts that of the standard BMW M3 Sedan by around 45 kg (100 lbs). When you take into account the equipment on board the weight saving is more like 70 kg (154 lbs). Added to which, cleverly reducing the load at the front of the car raises the proportion of the car’s weight over the rear axle to 48.4 percent, which has an extremely positive effect on agility.

High-revving V8 engine with extra power; M DCT Drivelogic.

Under the CFRP hood of the BMW M3 CRT lies a variant of the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 with further increased displacement, output and maximum torque. The high-revving unit provides the linear power delivery you expect from an M car and a highly responsive performance profile honed by the demands of the race track. Tuned for the BMW M3 GTS, the eight-cylinder engine develops 331 kW/450 hp from its 4,360 cc displacement. Maximum output is reached at 8,300 rpm, and the driver will find peak torque of 440 Newton meters (325 lbs-ft) on tap at 3,750 rpm. Helping to give the engine its intoxicating performance is wizardry derived directly from motorsport, including a bedplate crankcase construction in a special aluminum-silicon alloy, individual throttle butterflies, a knock control system with ion current technology and a dynamically-optimized wet sump oil supply.

Transferring the engine’s power to the rear wheels is the M double clutch transmission (DCT) with Drivelogic developed for the BMW M3. The seven-speed M DCT Drivelogic unit also works according to a principle developed in motorsport, allowing an uninterrupted flow of power through gear changes to deliver extremely dynamic acceleration. Its shift characteristics have been tuned specially for the engine powering the BMW M3 CRT. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually with optimum ergonomics. And a Launch Control function is on hand to generate maximum acceleration off the start line.

Special chassis construction with race-bred technology.

Expertise from race competition also makes its presence felt in the chassis technology of the BMW M3 CRT. The BMW M3 Sedan’s front and rear axle construction has been enhanced by a rigid rear axle subframe and coilover suspension whose dampers are individually adjustable in their compression and rebound. The 6 piston, fixed-caliper high-performance brakes of the BMW M3 CRT boast a low-weight compound construction. The vented brake discs measure 378 x 32 millimeters at the front axle and 380 x 28 millimeters at the rear. The new M3 variant also uses Stahlflex stainless steel brake lines and special brake pads.

The specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – including ABS and M Dynamic Mode (MDM) – responds to both the greater dynamic potential of the BMW M3 CRT and its optimized axle load distribution. Meanwhile, the 245/35 R 19 front tires and 265/35 R 19 rears (fitted on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design) ensure the engine’s acceleration and braking power is transferred to the road with maximum impact. The electronic engine management of the BMW M3 CRT caps its top speed at 290 km/h (180 mph).

The exclusive Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint shade in combination with Melbourne Red metallic applications and special treatment for the BMW kidney grille also help to set the BMW M3 CRT apart from the standard M3. Inside, the Sedan comes with likewise exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminum grain structure. Completing the distinctive ambience inside the high-performance Sedan are the Alcantara-covered M steering wheel, which has an M Drive button allowing the driver to call up his preferred set-up instantly, and special Sakhir Orange and Black bi-color covers for the front and individual rear seats.

Labels: BMW M GmbH, BMW M3 Saloon, M3 CRT

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Friday 17 June 2011

New BMW M5

The New BMW M5 at a glance.

Fifth generation of the world’s most successful high-performance saloon in the premium segment of the executive class; new BMW M5 is an exceptionally dynamic high-performance sports car with four doors and five seats; consistent further development of the vehicle concept initiated in 1984 with the first-generation BMW M5; compelling track potential combines with the comprehensive practicality of a luxurious business saloon; groundbreaking character headlined by significantly improved efficiency, supreme long-distance comfort, and innovative driver assistance systems and infotainment functions.
World premiere of a newly developed BMW M high-performance engine: high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package – consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection petrol direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control; 412 kW/560 hp at
6,000 – 7,000 rpm, maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; lag-free power delivery, typical M car thrust.
Significantly improved balance between performance and fuel consumption: acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds,
0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.0 seconds, top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package); average fuel consumption in EU test cycle: 9.9 litres/100 km (28.5 mpg imp); engine output 10 per cent up on predecessor model, maximum torque increased by 30 per cent, fuel consumption cut by more than 30 per cent; extensive Efficient Dynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration.
Power transfer to the rear wheels via the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic; traction-optimised automatic gear selection; Launch Control; Low Speed Assistance; automatically activated parking mode; M-specific gear selector; M leather steering wheel with shift paddles.
Hallmark M conceptual harmony produces superior performance characteristics with precise interplay of drive and chassis technology, aerodynamics and weight balance; power-to-weight ratio: 3.3 kg (approx. 7 lb)/hp; M-specific suspension (front and rear axle kinematics), M Servotronic steering, Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control system including M Dynamic Mode; bodyshell mounting using special panels; lightweight compound high-performance braking system.
Outstandingly agile handling thanks to innovative rear axle differential with Active M Differential; electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential enables fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels to optimise traction and stability in dynamic lane change manoeuvres and acceleration out of corners; degree of lock can be varied between 0 and 100 per cent according to the situation; fast, precise and pre-emptive responses thanks to constant data cross-checking between the Active M Differential and DSC stability control system, and monitoring of the accelerator pedal position, wheel speed and yaw rate.
Two individually configured set-ups for the car can be called up using the new M Drive buttons on the steering wheel; range of programmable parameters unique in the segment: accelerator responses, M Servotronic responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display.
Characteristic body design with familiar M aesthetics reflecting the car’s extremely dynamic yet precisely controllable nature; specific design features contributing to performance characteristics; front apron with extremely large air intakes for the engine and brakes; athletically flared wheel arches to emphasise wide track; hallmark M “gills” with integrated indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; gurney-style rear spoiler on the boot lid; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in exclusive double-spoke design.
Unique combination of sports car cockpit and luxurious ambience for the interior; M-specific instrument cluster in black-panel technology; newly designed, leather-covered centre console; M sports seats; standard specification also includes: Merino leather upholstery with extended features, exclusive Aluminium Trace interior trim strips, BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, electrically operated steering column adjustment, four-zone automatic climate control and ambient light.
Extensive range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by competitors in this segment and beyond: M-specific Head-Up Display (standard), Adaptive Headlights for standard xenon light, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet usage, extended integration of smartphones and music players, real-time traffic information and apps for receiving Web Radio and using Facebook and Twitter.
Almost all BMW 5 Series Saloon equipment options available, including Comfort Access, M multifunction seats, active seats, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, hands-free tailgate opening, electric glass roof, trailer coupling.

BMW M5 Specifications and performance:

V8 petrol engine
M TwinPower Turbo technology with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo
Cross-bank exhaust manifold
High Precision Injection direct injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control
Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm
Max. torque: 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 5,750 rpm
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 4.4 seconds, acceleration 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph): 13.0 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package)
Average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5

Labels: BMW, BMW M, New BMW M5

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Thursday 9 June 2011

The new BMW 1 Series

Take a closer look at the exterior and interior of the new BMW 1 Series Urban and Sport.

Launching in the UK on 17 September 2011, it is still the only rear-wheeldrive car in its class. The new BMW 1 Series is an even more sporty but fuel-efficient car, further boosted by BMW's EfficientDynamics technologies as standard.

The new BMW 1 Series is available in a variety of different trim levels, each providing a different level of standard specification. ES, SE, Sport and Urban models are all included.

Labels: BMW 1 Series, ES, SE, Sport and Urban

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Wednesday 8 June 2011

Herts Business Awards Launch

Specialist Cars Stevenage are proud to sponsor the small business category at the Herts Business Awards to be held on 23rd November 2011.

As proud sponsors, Specialist Cars welcomed other sponsors and hopefuls from all categories for a chance to network and find out more about the awards. Joint owner of Specialist Cars, Clive Fletcher, gave a short presentation on the history of Specialist Cars and also gave guests the opportunity to take a tour around our facilites. Group Corporate Manager, Bill Overington lead the tour and met master technician Paul Travers and technician Gene Bunting-Gray to give a demonstration of the latest BMW technology.