BMW 2

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer confirmed for U.S. launch early next year.



Public debut likely to occur in Geneva this March

BMW North America president and CEO Ludwig Willisch told Edmunds a production version of the Concept Active Tourer will be introduced in the United States at the beginning of next year.
The car he was referring to can be seen in these spy photos we posted back in December. It will be a very interesting BMW since it will adopt a front-wheel drive layout and will probably be one of the most family-oriented models ever, especially since it will likely be offered with an optional seven-seat layout. Ludwig Willisch says the Active Tourer production version will target those customers who are "looking for versatility that matches his or her lifestyle."
The name of this all-new model has not been disclosed but most likely it will wear the 2-Series Active Tourer moniker and will probably be shown for the first time in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in Europe later this year. It will be a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and will ride on the UKL platform also used by the new MINI so it will have just about the same engines.
Edmunds mentions all-wheel drive will still be available while (at least) the US-spec model will be offered with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine working together with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Source: edmunds.com

BMW changes

BMW works on hands-free lane changes.

LAS VEGAS -- In a bid to commercialize hands-free cars, BMW AG and supplier Continental AG are preparing a large-scale road test involving dozens of vehicles.

The goal is a production vehicle that can change lanes without the driver's intervention. Such vehicles are likely to enter dealer showrooms in three to five years.

The test, which will be conducted early next year, will occur over a 500-kilometer (311-mile) route from Germany over the Alps to Italy, says Werner Huber, BMW's project manager of driver, assistance and environmental perception.

"We will build a prototype car which can be cloned into 10, 20, 50, maybe 100 cars," Huber said. "That is what we are working on."

BMW's plan for a fleet test signals a new step forward in development of hands-free vehicles. And if past trends hold true, lane-changing technology will trickle down from luxury cars to the mass market.

BMW's test fleet of cars will accelerate, brake and change lanes without the driver's help for lengthy stretches at speeds ranging up to 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph).

Production vehicles would employ this technology at lower speeds, such as in stop-and-start highway traffic. Most likely, BMW would offer this technology as an improved version of its existing driver assistance package.

Luxury brands typically offer a "driver assistance" option that includes intelligent cruise control with automatic braking, lane-keeping and 360-degree road surveillance.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi offer driver assistance options ranging from $1,900 to $3,200.

Vehicles equipped with a driver assistance package can accelerate, brake and stay within a highway lane at low speeds without the driver's intervention. But those vehicles are not designed to change lanes.

BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and others are racing to add that function, which is viewed as the next logical step for hands-free driving.

Hands-free lane-changing could allow vehicles to avoid accidents and pass vehicles in stop-and-go highway traffic.

But there are two major barriers.

The first hurdle is technological: Sensors must monitor the entire 360-degree field around the vehicle. To do so, automakers are tinkering with various combinations of radar, lidar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Lidar uses lasers to measure distances.

The second hurdle is legal: In the European Union, the Vienna convention requires the motorist to be in charge of the vehicle at all times. The United States has similar regulations.

This isn't a big problem for hands-free driving as long as the car remains in one lane. But it gets tricky when the car changes lanes, says Alejandro Vukotich, Audi AG's chief of driver assistance systems.

"The driver must always be in charge of what is happening," Vukotich noted.

Vukotich believes lane-change technology will win approval because it's a useful safety feature. If cockpit sensors determine that the motorist is drowsy or incapacitated, the vehicle could steer itself to a safe stop by the side of the road.

"We intend to bring [this technology] to market in the next five years, and we are doing everything we can to prepare," Vukotich said. "We are very, very focused on that."

Christian Senger, Continental AG's senior vice president of automotive technology says the focus now is to develop technology that consumers actually use.

"It isn't new to have autonomous vehicles on the road," Senger said. "The question is how to put these vehicles on real roads for real consumers."

BMW i8, key innovation

KEY LOOK LIKE SMARTPHONE:

BMW i8 Key Looks Like A Mini Smartphone

BMW’s new electric supercar, the BMW i8 will go on sale next year, this cool EV is already sold out for 2014, and now we have some details on the new BMW i8 key fob.

Key fobs are not normally the sort of thing we feature on the site, but this one looks a lot cooler than you standard car key fob, sort of like a mini smartphone, and it will display information on the new BMW i8.

The photos below were posted online by Bimmerfile and it will provide information on the charging status of your BMW i8, which will include the time on charge and the distance the vehicle can travel before it needs to be recharged or refueled.

BMW i8 key alert

The BMW i8 features a hybrid petrol and electric engine, the petrol engine and the car is capable of  to 60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds and can deliver around 113 miles per gallon.

BMW SERIES SHOWCASE

showcase of bmw in detroit..

SEE THE 2 SERIES, M3, M4 AT THE 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT

DECEMBER 15, 2013

The BMW 2 Series Coupe, an entirely new model series and successor to the 1 Series Coupe, as well as the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe, the latest chapter in the history of high-performance sports cars from BMW M, will make their world debuts at the 2014 North American International Auto Show on Monday, January 13, at the BMW Stand at COBO Center, One Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226. English and Spanish speaking BMW representatives will be available for interviews throughout the day.  In addition, BMW will feature the all-electric BMW i3, the plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8, BMW X1, and the BMW Z4 in Ivory White Burnt Sienna.

Continuing the decades-long tradition of premium, compact Coupes with impeccable driving dynamics, the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe is designed with significantly larger dimensions than its predecessor, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, and will be offered as both a 228i and M235i, which is the first BMW M Performance Automobile to be offered in the US. The BMW 2 Series Coupe has unmistakable BMW handling attributes and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, and sophisticated chassis technology. Double-pivot spring strut front suspension and five-link rear suspension feature tuning tailored to each 2 Series model, while variable sport steering, M Sport braking system and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers are all

standard on the M235i in the US and optional on the 228i. Dynamic Stability Control system including Dynamic Traction Control with an electronic locking function for the rear axle is standard; M Performance mechanical limited slip differential will be available for the BMW M235i Coupe through the BMW M Performance Accessories range. The 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe will launch in the US in 2014 Q1 with a base MSRP of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including $925 Destination and Handling fee.

Making world debuts together in Detroit, the all-new BMW M3 Sedan and first-ever BMW M4 Coupe are examples of the legendary BMW M engineering discipline which emphasizes a synthesis of motorsport technology with unrestricted daily driving  versatility.  World-class engine and powertrain technologies, along with intelligent lightweight vehicle construction through extensive use of exotic construction materials, add to the intensity of the M feeling and driving experience. The extensive weight-reduction efforts of the BMW M engineers should not be underlooked; the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 are the first BMW M cars to see a reduction in curb weight from one generation to the next. Both models are equipped with an all-new 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and increased performance levels that distinguish them from previous generations of the M3 family, delivering 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Both the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds when equipped with the optional M-DCT transmission. By setting new segment standards in terms of dynamics, agility, precise handling and emotional design, the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe have set the benchmark for the high-performance segment created by the M3 many years ago.

The BMW i3 is the first fully electric vehicle from BMW Group under BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary concept vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. With a hybrid-synchronous electric motor delivering170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving. The BMW i3 will offer interior space comparable to the legendary BMW 3 Series on a shorter overall body. Its low 32.3-foot turning circle and a relatively long wheelbase make it agile and engaging to drive, ideally suited to driving in dense urban areas. As perhaps the most sustainably-manufactured passenger car in the world, the story of the i3’s production process is equally compelling. Available in 2014 Q2, the BMW i3 will have a base MSRP of $41,350 and the range-extender model will have a starting MSRP of $45,200 (excludes Destination & Handling fee).

The BMW i8 is the first plug-in hybrid  2+2 sports car from BMW Group.  It will join BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary vehicles which are purpose built from the ground up as electric and hybrid electric and constructed primarily from lightweight carbon fiber through sustainable processes. Coming to the market in 2014 Q2 and priced at $135,700 (excludes Destination & Handling fee), the BMW i8 features an award-winning design with sleek, low slung looks and operates with extremely low fuel consumption (est. up to 94 mpg) and emissions output. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds on the way to an electronically-governed top speed of 155 mph.

With new further refinement inside and out, the BMW X1 will continue to affirm its position as The Ultimate Driving Machine in its segment. In the spring of 2014, the compact BMW X1 is raising the standard for this segment with eye-catching exterior accents, a further-refined interior ambience and innovative equipment features. The BMW X1 is currently available at an MSRP of $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling).

Classic BMW Roadster proportions, sophisticated engine and drivetrain technology, and innovative equipment features highlight the character of the BMW Z4. The new equipment package known as Ivory White Burnt Sienna refines the interior of the BMW Z4 to intensify the character of the car, adding further aesthetic appeal to the open-top experience. The various exclusive colors and materials are available expressions of sporty luxury and are embellished with precision seams, surfaces, and stitching that bring harmony to the design of the interior. The package includes extended premium

Nappa leather trim, specially finished sport seats in Ivory White with contrasting brown stitching that highlights the perforated surface of the contoured side supports in the seat backs. For the first time, as an exclusive touch and only in combination with the Ivory White Burnt Sienna package, the BMW Z4 can be ordered with Sparking Brown Metallic paint finish.

.......CONTINUE.....

BMW New Technology

TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGIES.

Standard in every BMW produced today.

BMW Efficient-Dynamics stands for the noticeable reduction of consumption and emissions with a simultaneous increase in performance and driving pleasure. Intelligent energy management and lightweight construction as well as aerodynamics and engine efficiency measures mean sustainable mobility is already standard in every BMW. Further innovations are new engine types like BMW Active-Hybrid and the BMW e-Drive concept. 

BMW i developed new ideas in electro-mobility using the guiding principle of BMW Efficient-Dynamics and applying many already existing technologies.

BMW e-DRIVE.

The intelligent and dynamic way to drive electrically.

A completely new dimension of driving pleasure: the drive concept BMW e-Drive boasts impressive dynamics and, when driven in purely electrical mode, is emission-free locally. The newly-developed synchronous electric motor dazzles with enormous torque that remains constant from acceleration to maximum speed – for sustainable mobility with overwhelming agility.

LITHIUM-ION HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY.

All vehicles with BMW eDrive technology derive energy for electrical driving from a sensational high-tech electrical battery. The powerful lithium-ion high-performance batteries are combines with a cooling system that keeps the battery at an optimal operating temperature and thus increases performance and life expectancy. The battery can be recharged wherever electricity is available: a regular 220 volt socket is sufficient to supply the battery with fresh energy.

.......continue....