The new BMW 3 Series Touring.

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The new BMW 3 Series Touring.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring.

The latest generation of the sporty five-door model combines the core attributes of the BMW 3 Series range more convincingly than ever with generous levels of onboard space and an interior that can be used in a variety of ways. The classy and progressive character of the new BMW 3 Series Touring is underscored by the extensively refined premium ambience of its interior and the latest innovations in control/operation and connectivity.

32 years ago the BMW 3 Series Touring blazed a trail for a new breed of car. Now, in its sixth generation, it sets the benchmark for sporting ability and cutting-edge versatility in the premium midsize class. More than 1.7 million examples of the 3 Series Touring have since been built, with the new car’s immediate predecessor alone accounting for over 500,000 of these. The new BMW 3 Series Touring will be unveiled to the public for the first time on 25 – 27 June 2019 as part of the new BMW Group #NEXTGen event at BMW Welt in Munich. It will be produced at BMW Plant Munich for customers in Europe, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. The market launch will get underway on 28 September 2019.

Exterior design: dynamically designed Touring proportions.

Distinctive proportions and a design language defined by crisp lines and strikingly contoured surfaces ensure the exterior of the new BMW 3 Series Touring cuts a dynamic figure exuding visual impact and muscularity. Its exterior dimensions have grown compared to its predecessor by 76 millimetres to 4,709 millimetres in length, by 16 mm to 1,827 mm in width and by 8 mm to 1,470 mm in height (incl. roof fin). A wheelbase extended by 41 mm to 2,851 mm and wide tracks contribute to the car’s poised and agile handling.

As on the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the design of the front end – with its large BMW kidney grille, slim twin headlights and an elaborately jutting front apron – accentuates the car’s powerful stance. This familiar look is further emphasised by an eye-catching notch rising up into the headlight unit contour and air intakes in a horizontal T shape (on cars with standard specification and on Sport Line / Luxury Line models). Full-LED headlights are fitted as standard on the new BMW 3 Series Touring, while LED headlights with extended features, Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight for non-dazzling high beam with a range of around 530 metres and LED front foglamps are available as options.

The interplay of roofline and side window graphic brings a particularly dynamic flavour to the familiar BMW Touring silhouette. A powerfully formed and clearly defined shoulder area, a character line climbing from the front side panel to the rear end and the Hofmeister kink (the familiar counter-swing at the trailing edge of the side window graphic) exude sporting presence and forward-surging intent. And the car’s feeling of class is heightened by the standard roof rails and aluminium trim for the B‑and C-pillars, plus aluminium strips for the sealing around the side windows. The flanks trace a flowing path into the tail, where a pronounced spoiler lip, the LED rear light units (with darker upper sections) and twin exhaust tailpipes for all model variants add further dynamic emphasis.

Interior: modern functionality with a premium ambience.

The driver-focused cockpit design, new display grouping of Control Display and instrument cluster, and controls concentrated into a small number of function panels bring a sporting aura to the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Touring. Standard specification includes a newly designed sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, thumb rests and electroplated applications. The high centre console and coordinated design of the door trim panels and instrument panel create a cocooning feel. At the same time, the instrument panel – exuding modernity and lightness – comes together with horizontal lines, discreet electroplated strips and other stylish details to showcase the spaciousness and premium ambience of the interior.

Newly designed seats enhance comfort levels over long distances in the new BMW 3 Series Touring. Shoulder room in the front of the cabin has grown particularly significantly, and the new car offers more headroom than its predecessor in all seats. The rear compartment, meanwhile, greets passengers with extra legroom and greater ease of entry and exit. The rear seat bench accommodates three child seats, of which two can be fixed in place with ISOFIX attachment points.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring comes as standard with automatic tailgate operation. The Comfort Access option allows hands-free opening and closing, too. The rear window opens separately, as will be familiar to BMW customers, and its aperture is 20 millimetres wider than on the outgoing model. Packing in large and heavy items of luggage will now be easier thanks to a load compartment that is up to 112 millimetres wider, a 30-millimetre higher loading aperture that is up to 125 mm wider in its upper section, a slightly lower loading sill (at 616 mm) and a reduction in height in the step between it and the boot floor from 35 mm to 8 mm. There is the additional option of a trailer coupling that extends and retracts again electrically.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring’s boot can hold 500 litres of gear – five litres more than its predecessor – when all the seats are occupied, and directly usable primary load capacity is up by 32 litres. Load capacity can be increased to a maximum of 1,510 litres by flipping down the sections of the 40 : 20 : 40 split-folding rear backrest. The backrest elements can also be released from the boot at the push of a button as an option. The corresponding array of buttons can be found in a newly designed control panel on the right side of the boot. The luggage compartment cover and the boot partition net can be transported in specially designed compartments underneath the boot floor. The optional anti-slip rails integrated into the boot floor, meanwhile, are a new feature not found on any of the new BMW 3 Series Touring’s competitors. The rails automatically extend when the tailgate is closed and prevent cargo from sliding around during the journey.

Six powerful and efficient engines from launch.

Three petrol engines and three diesel units will be available from the launch of the new BMW 3 Series Touring or a few weeks later. The BMW M340i xDrive Touring sets out its stall in particularly emphatic fashion thanks to its class-beating driving dynamics courtesy of its 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine (fuel consumption combined: 7.5 – 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres [37.7 – 39.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 170 – 162 g/km)*. The line-up also includes a pair of four-cylinder petrol engines with 135 kW/184 hp in the BMW 320i Touring (fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 5.8 l/100 km [44.8 – 48.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 144 – 133 g/km)* and 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 330i (fuel consumption combined: 6.4 – 6.0 l/100 km [44.1 – 47.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146 – 136 g/km)*, a 195 kW/265 hp six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the BMW 330d xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 5.6 – 5.4 l/100 km [50.4 – 52.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146 – 140 g/km)* and two four-cylinder diesels – with 110 kW/150 hp in the BMW 318d Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.9 – 4.5 l/100 km [57.6 – 62.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 129 – 118 g/km)* and 140 kW/190 hp in the BMW 320d Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.8 – 4.6 l/100 km [58.9 – 61.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 125 – 119 g/km)*.

The four-cylinder diesel units powering the BMW 318d Touring and BMW 320d Touring come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as an option (standard on all other model variants). Intelligent all-wheel drive – which optimises distribution of drive power – is standard in the most powerful petrol and diesel models and available as an option for the BMW 330i xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 6.6 – 6.3 l/100 km [42.8 – 44.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 151 – 143 g/km)* and BMW 320d xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.9 – 4.6 l/100 km [57.6 – 61.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 129 – 121 g/km)*. All model variants meet the Euro 6d-TEMP exhaust emissions standard. In 2020 a BMW 3 Series Touring model with plug-in hybrid drive system will be added to the range for the first time.

Innovative chassis technology majors on sports performance and ride comfort.

A noticeable increase in agility over the outgoing model, exceptionally precise handling and a persuasively comfortable ride even over long distances are the result of a rigorously driving-pleasure-led development process for the body structure and chassis technology. The rigidity of the new BMW 3 Series Touring’s body has been increased by around 25 per cent overall and by up to 50 per cent in some areas. The chassis mountings are also significantly stiffer than on the predecessor model. Plus, the new BMW 3 Series Touring has a low centre of gravity and 50 : 50 weight distribution. Despite its increased exterior dimensions, myriad additions to its standard equipment, increased stiffness and optimised acoustic properties, it is up to 10 kilograms lighter, model-on-model, than the outgoing car. Optimised aerodynamics cut its drag coefficient to as low as 0.27 (BMW 320d Touring).

Lift-related dampers – which are part of the standard suspension technology and optional M Sport suspension – are key to creating a balance between sportiness and ride comfort no rival can match. They are continuously variable and adjust the damper firmness progressively according to the changing spring travel, which allows them to reduce body movement perceptibly when ironing out vibrations caused by bumpy road surfaces or dynamic cornering.

As well as M Sport suspension with a 10-millimetre drop in ride height, customers can also specify Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The two optional suspension variants each link up with variable sport steering. And M Sport brakes with four-piston fixed callipers at the front axle are also available. The blue-painted callipers carry the M logo. Standard specification for the new BMW M340i xDrive Touring also includes an M Sport differential, which is available as an option (in conjunction with M Sport suspension or Adaptive M suspension) for the BMW 330i Touring, BMW 330i xDrive Touring and BMW 330d Touring. The electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential helps to significantly enhance traction, agility, stability and cornering prowess.

Targeted individualisation and high-quality optional equipment.

The Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport variants of the new BMW 3 Series Touring enable specific individualisation of its design and appointments. And an array of high-quality comfort-enhancing options are also available. Newly designed steering wheels and interior trim strips, the optional Vernasca leather trim and BMW Individual Merino leather trim, a Sensatec instrument panel and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel bring an exclusive sense of style to the interior. Also on the options list are a panoramic glass roof, three-zone automatic climate control, auxiliary heating, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, ambient lighting and telephony with wireless charging. Acoustic glass comes as standard for the windscreen and is offered as an option for the doors.

New progress along the road to automated driving.

The innovative assistance systems on board the new BMW 3 Series Touring represent the latest steps towards automated driving. Standard features include the Speed Limit Info system with No Passing Info display, Lane Departure Warning, and Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which also detects cyclists. Options include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the Driving Assistant with Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning and crossing traffic warning. Also offered is the Driving Assistant Professional, a complete comfort and safety-enhancing package. One of the features of the Driving Assistant Professional is the steering and lane control assistant, which works together with the driver to help keep the vehicle in the detected lane, even through narrow channels, and also includes the lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection and the Evasion Assistant. The new-generation BMW Head-Up Display offers a larger projection surface, new graphics and additional display content.

Park Distance Control and the rear view camera assist the driver with parking and manoeuvring. Also available is the Parking Assistant, which takes over steering, acceleration, braking and gear changes via the Steptronic transmission when driving into and out of a space. Its range of functions additionally includes the reversing assistant, which makes light work of backing up over distances of up to 50 metres by steering the vehicle along the same path it took when moving forward.

Intuitive operation and supreme connectivity: BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The new BMW Operating System 7.0 plays a leading role in optimising the control and display system with modern, digital functions geared precisely to the needs of the driver. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional comprises consistently designed, situation-linked and customisable displays on the fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display. For intuitive operation, the driver can choose from the Control Display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, the steering wheel buttons, voice control and gesture control.

Another element of BMW Live Cockpit Professional is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent, digital character that responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. He is able to explain all sorts of different functions (“How does the High Beam Assistant work?”), provide current status information (“Is the oil level okay?”) and help answer questions (“What warning messages do I have?”). He is the ideal co-driver and comes in particularly useful during everyday driving by responding to natural voice commands to help the driver with numerous tasks, such as enhancing productivity and on-board entertainment. The range of functions and skills available are constantly expanded as part of regular updates, which can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in-car by Remote Software Upgrade.

Courtesy: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com

BMW builds the best hybrid: International Engine of the Year award.

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BMW builds the best hybrid: International Engine of the Year award
BMW builds the best hybrid: International Engine of the Year award

For the fifth year in a row the winner of the International Engine + Powertrain of the Year award in its class is the powertrain of the BMW i8 (BMW i8 Roadster: fuel consumption combined 2.0 l/100 km [141.2 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined 14.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 46 g/km; BMW i8 Coupe: fuel consumption combined 1.8 l/100 km [156.9 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined 14.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 42 g/km*). This year it was competing in a brand new category: Best Hybrid Powertrain. A big surprise was the distance in score: The powertrain of the BMW i8 took the lead earning 233 points against 138 points for the competitor finishing in second place.

The BMW i8 is the pioneer and technology donor for the entire BMW plug-in hybrid family. This line-up is set to grow to a total of ten models by the end of 2019, allowing BMW to offer a wider choice to customers than any competitor. Together with the BMW i3, the BMW i8 laid the foundations for the BMW Group to become the market leader in the electrified vehicle segment. It has topped the registration statistics for new electrified vehicles in Europe and Germany – not just in the premium segment but for the market as a whole (source: IHS Markit report from 14.5.2019; new registrations of BEV and PHEV combined) – since 2017.

The BMW i8’s powertrain came onto the market in 2014 and has scooped the coveted award in its category every year since. In that first year, it was also crowned Best New Engine and took the overall award for good measure. By collecting an award again in 2019 – for the fifth year in a row – the plug-in hybrid powertrain has provided further evidence of how far ahead of its time it remains. Billed as the sports car of the future, the BMW i8 has been ranked consistently as the top-selling PHEV sports car since its launch in 2014. The BMW i3 and i8 stand at opposite ends of the model spectrum as an expression of what is reasonably achievable today. Between them stand the wide range of core BMW models that have since benefited from the transfer of technology, allowing the BMW Group to offer a broader line-up of electrified models than any other premium car manufacturer.

BMW builds the best hybrid: International Engine of the Year award

The latest version of the BMW i8 combines sports-car performance with fuel economy worthy of a compact model. Its three-cylinder combustion engine delivers 170 kW/231 hp to the rear wheels. The electric motor, whose output has now been upped to 105 kW/143 hp, draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery – which can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket – and sends its power to the front axle. This model-specific plug-in-hybrid system, developed and produced by the BMW Group, enables an all-electric range of up to 55 kilometres (34 miles) in the EU test cycle. The combined effect of the electric motor powering the front wheels and the combustion engine at the rear axle creates an all-wheel-drive system that keeps the car glued to the road and comes into its own when accelerating hard or powering through corners, in particular.

The more powerful of the drive duo powers the rear wheels and uses the electric boost from the hybrid system to deliver hallmark BMW driving pleasure combined with trailblazing efficiency. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.4 seconds, yet combined fuel consumption – as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles – stands at 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres (141.2 mpg imp), plus 14.5 kWh of electrical energy. This equates to CO2 emissions of 46 grams per kilometre. The BMW i8 Coupe, meanwhile, posts figures of 1.8 litres per 100 kilometres (156.9 mpg imp), plus 14.0 kWh of electrical energy, resulting in a CO2 figure of 42 grams per kilometre.

This year was the 21st edition of the International Engine of the Year awards. Since the event’s inception, power units developed for models from the BMW Group’s brands have racked up a total of 70 wins in their categories and overall. The task of electing the best engines in numerous different classes falls to a jury of experts, which this year was made up of 70 motoring journalists from 31 countries. The award winners selected by the jury were announced on Wednesday, 22 May 2019 at the Engine Expo show in Stuttgart.

* The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric power consumption and operating range figures were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany and the range shown considers the different sizes of the selected wheels/tyres and the selected items of optional equipment.

The values are based on the new WLTP test cycle and are translated back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to ensure comparability between the vehicles. [With respect to these vehicles, for vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2emissions, the CO2 values may differ from the values stated here (depending on national legislation).]

The CO2 efficiency specifications are determined according to Directive 1999/94/EC and the latest version of the Pkw-EnVKV, and based (for classification) on the fuel consumption and CO2 values as per the NEDC cycle.

The CO2 efficiency specifications are determined according to Directive 1999/94/EC and the latest version of the Pkw-EnVKV, and based (for classification) on the fuel consumption and CO2 values as per the NEDC cycle.

Courtesy: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/

MINI at Auto China Beijing 2018.

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MINI at Auto China Beijing 2018.

MINI at Auto China Beijing 2018.

A unique combination of driving fun, premium quality and individual style, characterise the models with which MINI continues to increase its popularity on the Chinese automotive market. The model update for the MINI 3 door, MINI 5 door and the MINI Convertible set fresh impulses for the success of the brand. The Asian premiere of the new models will take place at the Auto China 2018 in Beijing. Furthermore, MINI will be presenting its range of models in the premium compact segment.

More than 1600 exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting current models, technological innovations and services at the Auto China 2018. The international automotive meeting, which began in 1990, takes place every two years and is spread over 220 000 square metres at the China International Exhibition Center. The 15th exhibition will take place between 25 April and 4 May 2018 with more than 800 000 visitors expected.

Fresh Update for the Original in the Premium Small Car Segment.

The three originals in the premium small car segment are now sportier, more advanced and more attractive than ever before, thanks to the model update. The new MINI 3 door, MINI 5 door and MINI Convertible boast specific design modifications, additional equipment features and individualisation possibilities as well as new digital services from MINI Connected.

The British brand’s new MINI 5 door will take centre stage at the Auto China 2018. The model, the first of the current MINI generation to be introduced, embodies the principle of creative use of space – used ever since the classic Mini – in a fascinating, modern form. Brand typical proportions are combined with the advantage of additional leg and head room in the rear as well as luggage space. Functionality, comfort and long distance suitability are improved thanks to the 161 millimeters extended body length, the two additional doors and the three seats in the rear. The mature character of the compact car model from MINI is, therefore, accompanied by an increase in product substance.

Distinct design accents and new equipment features.

The new MINI 5 door as well as the new MINI 3 door and the new MINI Convertible boast a distinct black trim as standard in its headlights as part of its precise design details. In combination with the LED headlights, the taillights also boast a new design. As a clear nod to the brand’s British heritage, the LED taillights feature a Union Jack motif. The MINI 5 door, on display at the Auto China 2018, will feature a new body colour, Emerald Grey metallic. There are three new colours available in total. The MINI 3 door, also at Beijing, is finished in Solaris Orange metallic and the MINI Convertible in Starlight Blue metallic.

New individualisation possibilities are offered through the option Piano Black Exterior, the additional alloy wheels and the Chester leather trim and Colour Line now also available in Malt Brown for the MINI 5 door and MINI 3 door. There is also the option MINI Yours Interior Style Piano Black illuminated which bears a Union Jack motif rear-lit strip on the passenger’s instrument panel. Furthermore, the enhanced compact car model boasts the new MINI logo. The control system now contains a Touch screen function for the display in the central instrument. There is also an expansion of the digital services as part of MINI Connected.

Three engine variants are available for the MINI 3 door (for the Chinese market combined fuel consumption: 6,2 – 5,4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 148 – 129 g/km) as well as the MINI 5 door (for the Chinese market combined fuel consumption: 5,6 – 5,6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 134 – 133 g/km) on the Chinese market. For the MINI Convertible (for the Chinese market combined fuel consumption: 6,2 – 5,8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions : 147 – 137 g/km) two engine variants are available. Available here are the MINI One 5 door, the MINI Cooper 5 door and the MINI Cooper S 5 door as well as the MINI One 3 door, the MINI Cooper 3 door und the MINI Cooper S 3 door. For open-air driving fun the MINI Cooper Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Convertible are also available.

More space, more versatility: MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman.

Both models in the premium compact segment are characterised by MINI typical style, driving fun and extended possibilities thus enabling the brand to appeal to additional customer groups within the Chinese automotive market. The MINI Clubman owes its exceptional position to its unconventional body concept with four side doors und two split doors at the rear as well as its flexible interior. The MINI Countryman is more spacious and versatile than ever before. Its robust exterior and its all-wheel drive system MINI ALL4 ensure genuine driving fun and that it remains an absolute All-rounder within MINI’s model programme.

Ensuring a race track feeling during daily driving, the ultra-sporty John Cooper Works models are also enjoying a constantly growing fan base in China.

The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will also be exhibited at the Auto China 2018. The power of its turbo engine is brought to the streets thanks to its all-wheel drive system MINI ALL4 (for the Chinese market combined fuel consumption: 7,0 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions:167 g/km) as standard.

courtesy: www.press.bmwgroup.com

DriveNow becomes wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Group

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DriveNow becomes wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Group

DriveNow becomes wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Group

With the acquisition of Sixt SE’s stake in DriveNow, the BMW Group continues its systematic development as a customer-centric mobility company. Today’s signing is subject to approval by antitrust authorities. With this move, the world’s leading provider of premium mobility is offering customers efficient, sustainable mobility solutions from a single source. The rapidly growing field of mobility services is one of the cornerstones of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT, as evidenced by the BMW Group expanding its offering in the areas of on-demand mobility (DriveNow and ReachNow), parking (ParkNow) and charging (ChargeNow) in a sustainable way. The acquisition of the Sixt shares is therefore the next logical step in this strategy, following the acquisition of Parkmobile LLC in early January of this year, a move which made the BMW Group the world’s leading provider of digital parking solutions.

“We have achieved extraordinary success with DriveNow over the past seven years – thanks to the efforts of the DriveNow employees and the excellent cooperation with our joint venture partner, Sixt. Sixt will remain a strong partner for us in the future,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce, BMW Motorrad, Customer Engagement and Digital Business Innovation BMW Group. “Our aim is to win 100 million customers for our premium mobility services by 2025. With DriveNow as a wholly-owned subsidiary, we have all options for continued strategic development of our services in our hands. Our experience with mobility services supports our development of future autonomous, electrified and connected fleets,” Schwarzenbauer continued.

Independently of the acquisition of the Sixt stake in DriveNow, the BMW Group and Sixt will continue their successful long-standing partnership through delivery of BMW and MINI vehicles for the Sixt fleet.

“The joint development of DriveNow impressively demonstrates the innovative strength of Sixt and the BMW Group. We would like to thank the DriveNow employees and the BMW Group for this success and look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with the BMW Group through our contracts for delivery of BMW and MINI brand vehicles”, said Alexander Sixt, member of the Managing Board of Sixt SE, responsible for Group Strategy.

DriveNow was founded in 2011 as a premium car-sharing joint venture between the BMW Group and Sixt SE. The service is already used by more than one million customers in 13 European cities. The fleet comprises more than 6,000 BMW and MINI brand premium vehicles across Europe. The electric BMW i3 is also available to users at all DriveNow locations.

“In 2017 our customers drove over eight million kilometres with the DriveNow electric fleet – that is equivalent to driving round the globe more than 200 times on electric power. DriveNow not only reduces traffic and improves the parking situation in urban areas, but it is also supporting the breakthrough of electromobility,” said DriveNow Managing Director Sebastian Hofelich. “We look forward to working with our franchise and city partners to continue actively shaping urban mobility in a sustainable manner,” he added.

The BMW Group seeks to improve quality of life in urban areas through its mobility offering. The company works with various partners and decision-makers in cities to help shape the sustainable mobility of the future.

courtesy: www.press.bmwgroup.com

The new BMW 8 Series Coupe undergoes vehicle dynamics testing on the racetrack

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The new BMW 8 Series Coupe undergoes vehicle dynamics testing on the racetrack

The new BMW 8 Series Coupe undergoes vehicle dynamics testing on the racetrack

With the presentation of the BMW Concept 8 Series, BMW already offered a close-to-series glimpse at the design of their new luxury segment sports car. The dynamic qualities of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe are now also clearly manifesting themselves. A close-to-series prototype is currently undergoing intensive testing on a high-speed proving ground in Aprilia, Italy. The tests serve in particular to optimise the vehicle’s driving dynamics on surfaces with a high friction coefficient and mark yet a further decisive stage on the way to the launch of the new BMW 8 Coupe during 2018.

The test drives are being carried out with a heavily camouflaged prototype, which nevertheless gives strong indication of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s typical sports car proportions. As in the case of the BMW Concept 8 Series, the dynamically stretched lines, the flat silhouette and the powerful front and rear ends give a foretaste of the fascinatingly sporty driving experience.

This impression is confirmed with each lap completed on the proving ground in Italy. With its around 4 kilometres long oval circuit, including steep bends, the area situated in the proximity of Rome offers above all the perfect conditions for high-speed and high friction coefficient tests. Moreover, the acceleration, braking and steering behaviour of the new sports car are analysed on circuits, slalom courses and different road surfaces. The highly demanding test programme facilitates the targeted harmonisation of all drive and suspension systems. The new BMW 8 Series Coupe has shown that it offers maximum agility and precision in highly dynamics situations. Likewise, the car is also able to meet the highest demands in terms of supremacy and comfort.

“The test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car,” says Klaus Fröhlich, member of the board of the BMW AG, Development and Research, who oversees the test programme in Italy.

The high vehicle dynamics potential results from an extraordinary close connection between motorsports and series production. The new BMW 8 Series Coupe is being developed parallel to and in close coordination with the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE racing car. Whilst the prototype of the production model is undergoing endurance tests, the teams, which are supported by BMW Motorsport, are currently preparing in Daytona (USA) for the initial racetrack use of the BMW M8 GTE. On 27/28 January, the BMW M8 GTE will make its racing debut at the Daytona 24-hour race. In June 2018, it will then participate in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. The knowledge gained there and at numerous other racing events in the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in North America will directly benefit series development of the BMW 8 Series Coupe.

Likewise, the know-how gained during training and on the racetrack will advance development of the new BMW M8. In June 2017, a prototype of this new model from the BMW M GmbH was already presented during the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. The Nordschleife of the legendary racing circuit is also the main proving ground for testing and further enhancing the new BMW M8.

The BMW Group has defined its strong presence in the luxury segment as one of the major pillars of its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. With the consistent extension of its model portfolio through the addition of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe and the new BMW M8, the BMW Group creates the ideal prerequisites for winning over the most demanding target groups and convincing them with a unique combination of supreme dynamics and modern luxury.

courtesy: www.press.bmwgroup.com