EfficientDynamics – Performance and Green Technologies?
Throughout the course of BMW’s latest press releases and unveilings there has been considerable attention directed at BMW’s new technological mindset interestingly titled EfficientDynamics. I know a lot of you have questioned exactly what this concept is, and what it means to the BMW brand in the future, so I went searching for some answers. A number of technologies have been grouped together to create the BMW EfficientDynamics movement, and it appears that this is only the beginning of what may be one of the most successful green movements in history. I have found a wonderful video that will help you understand why BMW is the ultimate driving machine, not only in the performance aspect but also with respect to our environment.
BMW X6 Concept Active Hybrid
In addition to the new X6 Concept, BMW is also presenting a modular two-mode hybrid version of the car dubbed the X6 Active Hybrid. The concept is running a new BMW drivetrain that integrates the batteries, electronics systems and power inverter all within the transmission. Compared with the non-hybrid model, the new Active Hybrid is said to improve fuel-economy by up to 20%.
Which cars are the greenest? You’d be surprised….
NEIL REYNOLDS
Globe and Mail Update
July 27, 2007 at 7:07 AM EDT
OTTAWA — Could it really be so – that GM’s Hummer is more than 40 per cent greener than Toyota’s Prius? That Ford’s F-Series pickup is greener? That GM’s Silverado pickup is greener? That Dodge’s Ram pickup is greener? That Cadillac’s DTS, a full-sized luxury sedan with a V8 engine, is greener? Could it be, in fact, that seven different luxury-class automobiles are all greener – and that three of them are Cadillac models?
Time Magazine: BMW Drives Germany
I came across an eye-catching article by Peter Gumble in the European Time Magazine which boasted BMW’s flexible manufacturing system and the fact that it’s unlike any other in the world. So if you haven’t read it, we’ll save you a trip to the over-seas news-stands. Click through for a fascinating read! Read more
The Sophistication of a wind tunnel….
Here’s a very detailed video showcasing the steps that go into designing the BMW-Sauber F1 car, complete with interviews with team principal Mario Theissen and technical director Willy Rampf.
Even ‘Green’er MINI’s on their way….
We previously reported that it would take BMW 6 months to add fuel saving technologies to the Mini MK2, but today the company announced that all Mini models would get the changes by August, only three months away. With the changes, the MINI Cooper D will be capable of returning an astonishing 72.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 104g/km.
The Hydrogen 7
Not so much a challenge as an unknown is how hydrogen will actually be utilized for personal transportation, with common wisdom leaning toward eventual electric cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells. But that technology is years, perhaps decades, off. On top of that, it doesn’t promise to be the type of driving experience today’s enthusiasts will be longing for.
The attraction of better traction
BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control raises the bar even higher for slippery driving.
BMW’s new 4×4 tech explained
BMW has just taken the wraps off an advanced torque vectoring system that promises to improve both the agility and stability of its four-wheel drive models.
Called Dynamic Performance Control, the new system is an evolution of BMW’s xDrive system, but adds a series of additional electro-magnetic clutches, in a modified rear differential housing that allow power to be juggled between the individual rear wheels as well as between the front and rear axles.
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