Interview with BMW Vision EfficientDynamics designers
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 29th, 2009Back in September, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, we had a moment to sit down with the interior and exterior designers of the new, breathtaking concept from BMW: Vision EfficientDynamics . With its Vision EfficientDynamics concept, BMW projects how its hybrid and fuel efficiency technologies might couple with the company’s Formula One racing tech and futuristic design. The result is a two-door sporty diesel-electric car with a fuel efficiency of 63 mpg while getting from zero to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds. The Vision EfficientDynamics also displays a number of innovations such as the layering construction technology, aluminum chassis and suspension, special polycarbonate glasses, lithium-polymer cells and a 3D Head Up Display. BMW VED introduces for the first time “layered surfacing”, both in interior and exterior design. BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk says “layered surfacing” creates a more cohesive and harmonious appearance while also optimizing air flow. The two talented designers in charge of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept are Mario Majdandzic, Exterior Design and Jochen Paesen, Interior Design. Jochen Paesen, VED Interior Design. BMWBLOG: Jochen, tell us a little about yourself. Jochen: I was born in Belgium and lived in South Africa, France, England, Holland and now in Germany. I ended up studying in England, Coventry University, then for 2 years at Royal College of Art which was a very good foundation for myself. I worked for Volkswagen for 5 years, then 3 years ago I moved to BMW. BMWBLOG: How far back did the Vision Concept project start? Jochen: The concept has been a very short project, started in January 2009 with the first sketches and quickly developed into a new car. Of course, there have been many themes we’ve been developing for a while. BMWBLOG: Walk us through the interior design and the philosophy behind it. Jochen: Layering, as first seen here, is something we have been working on for a while. Another important design detail at BMW, driving orientation. This is obviously something we played with. Our goal was how to emphasize driving orientation. In this concept car, we really pushed it to its extremes. BMWBLOG: Can the layering design be used in a production car? Jochen: What’s important about the layering design is that we work on it every day. We’re trying through layering to create a visual lightness, along with physical lightness, in order to get the performance we need and very little fuel consumption. We need to be lighter and this is something we are definitely working on and it has a lot of potential. Layering is a way of laying things over each other which means in generally that you are able to do things with less parts and do the adjustments more easily. The result? Less time wasted therefore less money spent. BMWBLOG: Were the any special materials used in the VED interior design? Jochen: It was important for us to have a visual light (as in weight light) feeling, so we chose light colors. The fabric that we used has not been impregnated, it is natural leather and for us it is important that we don’t use chemicals that are not environmentally friendly. BMWBLOG: Is the interior design based on something you worked on in the past? Jochen: We were given a lot of freedom in this project and two things were important for me: driver orientation and visual lightness through layering. Because the interior and exterior have so much glass and since we have a very similar philosophy with the layering, it was a very nice challenge combining the exterior layering to the interior, to get that to flow, combining the layer, lightness with the drive orientation. What’s interesting was how we started. The central point is in front of the driver, this where all the information is displayed and where we have the screen that displays information in 3D. From that area, from that flow of information, we move to the driver orientation and continue with this whole flow through the entire interior design. BMWBLOG: Thank you and we look forward to learning more about VED in the near future. Mario Majdandzic, VED Exterior Designer BMWBLOG: Let’s start with your background. Mario: I was born in Croatia, but studied in Germany. I worked for two years at Volkswagen before coming to BMW. BMWBLOG: How did you start with the exterior design? Did you have a lot of freedom? Mario: We wanted to actually visualize this Efficient Dynamics we’ve been talking about for years. We have always communicated the EfficientDynamics strategy, but mostly through stickers. We wanted to create a visual image of this, how it looks like. So, this is the answer. The important thing was to create a light car, clean, desirable and premium. The design scheme is layering, for the first time seeing in the exterior. We have the cocoon and the shell outside. In between, we have a little bit of air, so it looks like the parts are floating. This is how we create this lightness. The side parts of the car improve aerodynamics without the need to add extra parts. That’s why it’s optical light, but physical as well. Also, the air curtain is great for aerodynamics, you can see the air is coming outside through a small slit before the front of the wheel. BMWBLOG: So the moving parts in the front grille help with the air flow? Mario: Yes, when you are driving in the city, the engine gets warmer and the grille opens. On the highway, driving at higher speeds, it closes and the air is flowing in and out. All of these, helps with the cooling. Another thing worth mentioning about the exterior design is that we don’t need all the body parts to run the car, the body parts are just there for aerodynamics. Wheels have also been designed with aerodynamics in mind. Our Note: The Vision also employs BMW’s Formula 1 aerodynamics developments, by which engineers achieved a slippery drag coefficient of 0.22 (the Toyota Prius’s is 0.25) BMWBLOG: Would you say that the headlights have something from the M1 Hommage? Mario: Definitely, you can see the shape, the double round interpretation. BMWBLOG: Mario, thank you and we’ll get back to you with more questions. Next week, BMW will officially introduced the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept in North America and we will be present at the L.A. Auto Show to continue our conversation with the two designers.
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Interview with BMW Vision EfficientDynamics designers
read comments (0)Spy Video: BMW 6 Series
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 29th, 2009Yes, another spy shots of the new 2011 BMW 6 Series but this time we talk about a spy video. I have to tell you because probably you didn’t notice as I did: now BMW is testing the new 2011 BMW 6 Series as much as it was doing with BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. Anyway,
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Spy Video: BMW 6 Series
Spy Video: BMW 6 Series
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 29th, 2009Yes, another spy shots of the new 2011 BMW 6 Series but this time we talk about a spy video. I have to tell you because probably you didn’t notice as I did: now BMW is testing the new 2011 BMW 6 Series as much as it was doing with BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. Anyway,
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Spy Video: BMW 6 Series
BMW models in future Hollywood movies
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 29th, 2009BMW will sign a contract to promote their models in future productions of Hollywood along with advertising company that brought the Audi in movies like Robot and Iron Man. After the retirement from Formula 1, those of the BMW left with a budget that can be spent for other purposes. The first choice was to promote
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BMW models in future Hollywood movies
Column: Two Wheeled ///M
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 29th, 2009Since its earliest stages of development, I’ve been all over the S1000RR. One of the most beautiful bikes I have ever laid eyes on, I’ve often pondered whether the S1000RR has the mechanical venom to match its aesthetic beauty. While I’ve yet to ride the new BMW, the numbers often tell a story. Put on your helmet before reading, this is one he!! of a story. BMW has never been one to shy away from a technological challenge. What’s the challenge? To meet and defeat the reigning “Big 4″ superbikes from Japan. Yes, the same 4 who have been perfecting their machines on the racetrack for 6 decades. To be fair, BMW has its own rich heritage of motorcycle racing. Giving testimony to BMW’s prowess on the racetrack, among countless other race wins and championships, are six Dakar Rally Championships spanning from 1981 to 2000, winning the 1939 Isle of Man TT, and most significantly winning the inaugural 1976 AMA Superbike Championship with a BMW R90S piloted by Reginald Pridmore. BMW has now come full circle. While they have diverted their attention away from a whole souled superbike racing effort since the 1970’s, we now see a re-focusing of energies and dedication to this world pinnacle of production based motorcycle racing. Leading up to their reappearance on the stage of superbike racing was a resurgence in endurance racing. Leading up to the 2007 LeMans 24 hour race we saw the BMW R1200S put in strong performances and grace varying podium steps. The hard development work at BMW Motorrad gave fruition to the “Boxer Sport,” a highly developed race spec R1200S featuring ample carbon fibre, fine tuning and upgraded components. This boxer-twin meant business, and delivered beyond all expectations, capturing the class win at the 29th running of the motorcycling class 24 Hours of LeMans! BMW had realized its progressive goal in endurance racing, and the time was ripe to pour all efforts into preparation for a return to superbike. With all hands on deck BMW formed an alliance with Alpha-Racing of Munich and went to work on producing the world’s fastest production superbike. What were the results? General Director BMW Motorrad, Mr Von Kuenheim states, “As you may expect of BMW Motorrad, the design of our BMW Supersports will be absolutely unique and very different. While it will of course reflect the usual design language in the segment, it will at the same time offer a strong and powerful message from the BMW brand.” I would sum it up with three words from Mr Von Kuenheim… strong and powerful. Strength, power, and then some. When BMW Motorrad went about determining the fundamental layout of the bike, they concluded that to surpass the performance of its competitors they must first consider the finest designs available. To this end, BMW tore apart the best of its competition and analyzed what gave the Japanese and Italians such speed and consistency in their bikes. BMW are an engineering powerhouse, always pushing the limits of what is technologically possible through creative and often very unique, unorthodox design philosophies. Non-conforming design has always been evident within BMW Motorrad, and for this project BMW compared creative designs against the current conventional; ultimately choosing the best designs in the end, one at a time. 60 years of hardened racing has the ability to perfect over time, and BMW recognized that to race against such experienced and heavy hitting competition, they must “reflect the usual design language in the segment.” Some will conclude upon first glance at the motorcycle that BMW have mimicked the Japanese. Look deeper and you will see the masterful creation of BMW. Run your hand along its contours and your fingers will follow the path of air directed by radical aerodynamics. In numbers, BMW’s new superbike, the S1000RR will silence its enemies and evoke fear in its stable mates. A state-of-the-art 999 cc inline 4 beats within. The engine produces a staggering 193 hp on its way to a stratospheric 14,200 rpm. 83 lb-ft of torque is produced at 9,750 rpm. The engine has a bore/stroke of 80/49.7, the largest bore of any production litre bike. All this in a highly compact engine that weighs only 59.8 Kg (131.8 lb). Unique technology on the S1000RR engine includes the exhaust system featuring two interference pipe butterflies. These butterfly valves oscillate according to rpm, throttle setting and other variables to cancel exhaust gas counter pressure pulses, thus increasing cylinder charge and engine power. In choosing between the bike’s 4 different engine maps you can tailor the power delivery to the prevailing road or track conditions. Valvetrain technology taken directly from BMW’s Formula 1 engines features titanium valves actuated by single finger style cam followers, said to reduce reciprocating mass by 50%. Switching through “Rain,” “Sport,” “Race,” and “Slick” settings, the new S100RR thereby combines multiple personalities and riding characteristics – much like engaging the ///M button on your BMW ///M Sports car. A world first, the S1000RR also features Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). Utilizing a gyroscope, the engine will harness power based on lean angles for each respective engine mapping, allowing you to dial in heavy throttle on corner exit. The DTC will engage based on lean angles from 38′ in “Rain” mode to 53′ in “Slick” mode. While your first experience will require confidence in the system and a wrist-full of faith, DTC is a breakthrough in safety for street riders as well as a valuable performance enhancement. Central to its performance, the S1000RR is also the lightest ABS equipped motorcycle produced with a wet curb weight of 206.5 Kg (455.3 lb) fully fuelled. Yes, the S1000RR sports the world’s best power to weight ratio of any production bike at 1.05 kg/hp. Clearly, the numbers are staggering. You don’t have to remind Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha. Brimming with Formula 1 technology, the S1000RR sets new standards in the evolution of sport bikes. As a demonstration of BMW’s design superiority, the S1000RR speaks volumes to BMW’s future, and the excellence they have attained. We are very excited to refer you to the world’s first written ride review of BMW’s S1000RR, brought to you by MCN. Please enjoy… and tighten that helmet strap, would you? In due time, we will bring you our own ride impressions of the S1000RR, but until then please hit the jump for MCN’s write-up. Download PDF “I would sum it up with three words from Mr Von Kuenheim… strong and powerful.” “Run your hand along its contours and your fingers will follow the path of air directed by radical aerodynamics.” “The S1000RR will silence its enemies and evoke fear in its stable mates.” “The S1000RR speaks volumes to BMW’s future, and the excellence they have attained.”
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Column: Two Wheeled ///M
Column: Two Wheeled ///M
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 29th, 2009Since its earliest stages of development, I’ve been all over the S1000RR. One of the most beautiful bikes I have ever laid eyes on, I’ve often pondered whether the S1000RR has the mechanical venom to match its aesthetic beauty. While I’ve yet to ride the new BMW, the numbers often tell a story. Put on your helmet before reading, this is one he!! of a story. BMW has never been one to shy away from a technological challenge. What’s the challenge? To meet and defeat the reigning “Big 4″ superbikes from Japan. Yes, the same 4 who have been perfecting their machines on the racetrack for 6 decades. To be fair, BMW has its own rich heritage of motorcycle racing. Giving testimony to BMW’s prowess on the racetrack, among countless other race wins and championships, are six Dakar Rally Championships spanning from 1981 to 2000, winning the 1939 Isle of Man TT, and most significantly winning the inaugural 1976 AMA Superbike Championship with a BMW R90S piloted by Reginald Pridmore. BMW has now come full circle. While they have diverted their attention away from a whole souled superbike racing effort since the 1970’s, we now see a re-focusing of energies and dedication to this world pinnacle of production based motorcycle racing. Leading up to their reappearance on the stage of superbike racing was a resurgence in endurance racing. Leading up to the 2007 LeMans 24 hour race we saw the BMW R1200S put in strong performances and grace varying podium steps. The hard development work at BMW Motorrad gave fruition to the “Boxer Sport,” a highly developed race spec R1200S featuring ample carbon fibre, fine tuning and upgraded components. This boxer-twin meant business, and delivered beyond all expectations, capturing the class win at the 29th running of the motorcycling class 24 Hours of LeMans! BMW had realized its progressive goal in endurance racing, and the time was ripe to pour all efforts into preparation for a return to superbike. With all hands on deck BMW formed an alliance with Alpha-Racing of Munich and went to work on producing the world’s fastest production superbike. What were the results? General Director BMW Motorrad, Mr Von Kuenheim states, “As you may expect of BMW Motorrad, the design of our BMW Supersports will be absolutely unique and very different. While it will of course reflect the usual design language in the segment, it will at the same time offer a strong and powerful message from the BMW brand.” I would sum it up with three words from Mr Von Kuenheim… strong and powerful. Strength, power, and then some. When BMW Motorrad went about determining the fundamental layout of the bike, they concluded that to surpass the performance of its competitors they must first consider the finest designs available. To this end, BMW tore apart the best of its competition and analyzed what gave the Japanese and Italians such speed and consistency in their bikes. BMW are an engineering powerhouse, always pushing the limits of what is technologically possible through creative and often very unique, unorthodox design philosophies. Non-conforming design has always been evident within BMW Motorrad, and for this project BMW compared creative designs against the current conventional; ultimately choosing the best designs in the end, one at a time. 60 years of hardened racing has the ability to perfect over time, and BMW recognized that to race against such experienced and heavy hitting competition, they must “reflect the usual design language in the segment.” Some will conclude upon first glance at the motorcycle that BMW have mimicked the Japanese. Look deeper and you will see the masterful creation of BMW. Run your hand along its contours and your fingers will follow the path of air directed by radical aerodynamics. In numbers, BMW’s new superbike, the S1000RR will silence its enemies and evoke fear in its stable mates. A state-of-the-art 999 cc inline 4 beats within. The engine produces a staggering 193 hp on its way to a stratospheric 14,200 rpm. 83 lb-ft of torque is produced at 9,750 rpm. The engine has a bore/stroke of 80/49.7, the largest bore of any production litre bike. All this in a highly compact engine that weighs only 59.8 Kg (131.8 lb). Unique technology on the S1000RR engine includes the exhaust system featuring two interference pipe butterflies. These butterfly valves oscillate according to rpm, throttle setting and other variables to cancel exhaust gas counter pressure pulses, thus increasing cylinder charge and engine power. In choosing between the bike’s 4 different engine maps you can tailor the power delivery to the prevailing road or track conditions. Valvetrain technology taken directly from BMW’s Formula 1 engines features titanium valves actuated by single finger style cam followers, said to reduce reciprocating mass by 50%. Switching through “Rain,” “Sport,” “Race,” and “Slick” settings, the new S100RR thereby combines multiple personalities and riding characteristics – much like engaging the ///M button on your BMW ///M Sports car. A world first, the S1000RR also features Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). Utilizing a gyroscope, the engine will harness power based on lean angles for each respective engine mapping, allowing you to dial in heavy throttle on corner exit. The DTC will engage based on lean angles from 38′ in “Rain” mode to 53′ in “Slick” mode. While your first experience will require confidence in the system and a wrist-full of faith, DTC is a breakthrough in safety for street riders as well as a valuable performance enhancement. Central to its performance, the S1000RR is also the lightest ABS equipped motorcycle produced with a wet curb weight of 206.5 Kg (455.3 lb) fully fuelled. Yes, the S1000RR sports the world’s best power to weight ratio of any production bike at 1.05 kg/hp. Clearly, the numbers are staggering. You don’t have to remind Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha. Brimming with Formula 1 technology, the S1000RR sets new standards in the evolution of sport bikes. As a demonstration of BMW’s design superiority, the S1000RR speaks volumes to BMW’s future, and the excellence they have attained. We are very excited to refer you to the world’s first written ride review of BMW’s S1000RR, brought to you by MCN. Please enjoy… and tighten that helmet strap, would you? In due time, we will bring you our own ride impressions of the S1000RR, but until then please hit the jump for MCN’s write-up. Download PDF “I would sum it up with three words from Mr Von Kuenheim… strong and powerful.” “Run your hand along its contours and your fingers will follow the path of air directed by radical aerodynamics.” “The S1000RR will silence its enemies and evoke fear in its stable mates.” “The S1000RR speaks volumes to BMW’s future, and the excellence they have attained.”
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Column: Two Wheeled ///M
F10 5 Series vs. F01 7 Series vs. E90 3 Series
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 28th, 2009Ever since it was unveiled this past Monday, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series has been analyzed and over analyzed by many automobile magazines and of course, the BMW community. Some of you have said the new 5 Series to be the “child of 3 and 7 Series” while others saw some of the Z4 front-end in it. Truth is that the new BMW design language can be seen across the entire new line-up and some design elements are being shared or…bit at least, bits of them. Today, we decided to put together a photo comparison between the new BMW 5 Series, the F01 7 Series and the facelifted 3er Sedan. Before we jump into it, let’s recap what our editor Josh had to say earlier in another article: “Sure, some might say it looks like the 3-Series, 7-Series and Z4 had a love child, but it’s something that those two aren’t; BMW’s most important new model for the next few years. It’s even more important than the F01/02 7-Series and it is about as important as the E90 3-Series. While the 3 sells more cars, the 7 is the luxury giant, the 5 is the car that most people making $60,000-$100,000 are going to be looking at. It’s BMW’s technology bread and butter. If it’s good enough for the 5ers, it’s good enough for the rest of BMWs.” Looking at the three images above, no one can’t deny that some similarities exist, starting with the headlights design, front-grille and the hood design. As Josh pointed out, the headlights and front-end also share some elements with the 5 GT. The headlights are slightly modified over the 3-Series units and much smaller than the 5-Series GT, making the new F10 its own uniquely styled BMW. At the rear-end, in our opinion the three vehicles are quite distinctive and can’t be blamed to have much in common. Some said that when looking from the side, the new 5 looks like a shortened F01 7er, but judging by these photos, we see more similarities with the 3 Series Sedan and very much common ground with the 7 Series. It is worth pointing out that the 5er still looks distinctive and we have no doubt that in real life will differentiate itself even more. Since the point of this exercise was to engage you and allow you to express your opinion regarding this comparison, we will leave you with one more comparison photo before your comments start to come in. Image courtesy of GBoy from GCZ
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F10 5 Series vs. F01 7 Series vs. E90 3 Series
F10 5 Series vs. F01 7 Series vs. E90 3 Series
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 28th, 2009Ever since it was unveiled this past Monday, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series has been analyzed and over analyzed by many automobile magazines and of course, the BMW community. Some of you have said the new 5 Series to be the “child of 3 and 7 Series” while others saw some of the Z4 front-end in it. Truth is that the new BMW design language can be seen across the entire new line-up and some design elements are being shared or…bit at least, bits of them. Today, we decided to put together a photo comparison between the new BMW 5 Series, the F01 7 Series and the facelifted 3er Sedan. Before we jump into it, let’s recap what our editor Josh had to say earlier in another article: “Sure, some might say it looks like the 3-Series, 7-Series and Z4 had a love child, but it’s something that those two aren’t; BMW’s most important new model for the next few years. It’s even more important than the F01/02 7-Series and it is about as important as the E90 3-Series. While the 3 sells more cars, the 7 is the luxury giant, the 5 is the car that most people making $60,000-$100,000 are going to be looking at. It’s BMW’s technology bread and butter. If it’s good enough for the 5ers, it’s good enough for the rest of BMWs.” Looking at the three images above, no one can’t deny that some similarities exist, starting with the headlights design, front-grille and the hood design. As Josh pointed out, the headlights and front-end also share some elements with the 5 GT. The headlights are slightly modified over the 3-Series units and much smaller than the 5-Series GT, making the new F10 its own uniquely styled BMW. At the rear-end, in our opinion the three vehicles are quite distinctive and can’t be blamed to have much in common. Some said that when looking from the side, the new 5 looks like a shortened F01 7er, but judging by these photos, we see more similarities with the 3 Series Sedan and very much common ground with the 7 Series. It is worth pointing out that the 5er still looks distinctive and we have no doubt that in real life will differentiate itself even more. Since the point of this exercise was to engage you and allow you to express your opinion regarding this comparison, we will leave you with one more comparison photo before your comments start to come in. Image courtesy of GBoy from GCZ
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F10 5 Series vs. F01 7 Series vs. E90 3 Series
Come Check Out The Brand New G-Power Typhoon X6 M!
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 28th, 2009Oh BMW, I have been waiting for you to come out with something better than the X6 M. I have been waiting for you to replace that car with something better and faster and yes, you have answered my prayers with the brand new G-Power Typhoon X6 M. The G-Power Typhoon X6 M is one BMW that does not look like it belongs in the BMW family but I can tell you that it does belong there. This beautiful car is not only a car that is going to put the X6 M to shame, but it is also one car that was built with 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers. That means that the G-Power Typhoon X6 M can get up to 500 Torque and honestly … it is a car that has a ton of power behind it. For example, you can get up to 62 miles per hour in just four and a half seconds! That is absolutely insane people!
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Come Check Out The Brand New G-Power Typhoon X6 M!
Come Check Out The Brand New G-Power Typhoon X6 M!
Posted by admin in BMW Cars on 11 28th, 2009Oh BMW, I have been waiting for you to come out with something better than the X6 M. I have been waiting for you to replace that car with something better and faster and yes, you have answered my prayers with the brand new G-Power Typhoon X6 M. The G-Power Typhoon X6 M is one BMW that does not look like it belongs in the BMW family but I can tell you that it does belong there. This beautiful car is not only a car that is going to put the X6 M to shame, but it is also one car that was built with 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers. That means that the G-Power Typhoon X6 M can get up to 500 Torque and honestly … it is a car that has a ton of power behind it. For example, you can get up to 62 miles per hour in just four and a half seconds! That is absolutely insane people!
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Come Check Out The Brand New G-Power Typhoon X6 M!
