2011 Renault Megane GT price Announced

The 2011 Renault Megane GT price across the whole line-up that includes the Hatch, Coupe, CC and Sport Tourer versions has been announced.

The 2011 Renault Megane GT price starts at 21,910 GBP and the company says the new model will hit the British showrooms in April with the first deliveries beginning in June.

The 2010 Renault Megane GT models are available with the TCe 180 petrol engine or the dCi 160 Diesel unit and a series of optional features can also be ordered.

So you get stuff like sporty chassis setting, 18-inch wheels, and a mean looking body kit with bespoke badging. Also inside the car, there’s the Renaultsport 250-specification seats with specific GT upholstery and additional lateral support, the 250-style steering wheel, aluminium pedal set and a dark charcoal trim garnished with polished carbon highlights.

The 2011 Renault Megane Coupe GT price starts at 22,410 GBP and goes up to 23,475 GBP and with the same offer regarding the engines. The 2011 Renault Megane Sport Tourer GT price starts on the British market at 22,910 GBP and goes up to 23,975 GBP for the diesel powered dCi 160 model.

via:zercustoms





Press Release

Developed by Renaultsport, the GT range adds a further dash of excitement to
the Mégane line-up. Available for the Hatch, Coupé, Sport Tourer and Coupé-Cabriolet
versions of New Mégane, this new specification includes a sports chassis
setting, new GT-design front and rear bumpers, 18-inch wheels, Renaultsport
250-specification seats with specific GT upholstery and additional lateral
support, Renaultsport 250-style steering wheel, aluminium pedal set and a dark
charcoal interior trim with polished carbon highlights, rear parking sensors and
bespoke badging on the grille and boot lid.

The GT versions bridge the gap between the Privilege versions and
Renaultsport are exclusively available with the TCe 180 petrol engine or the
powerful, high-torque dCi 160 diesel powerplant.

Customers wanting the GT look with a smaller engine and price tag can have
the GT-Line option pack fitted to the Dynamique trim level for just £1,290.
This features a sports chassis, 17-inch alloy wheels, GT front and rear bumpers,
anthracite door mirrors and the Renaultsport 250-specification seats with
specific GT upholstery and extra lateral support.

Nine body colours are available in total for these new versions:

• Malta Blue is reserved exclusively for GT and GT Line versions of the
  Mégane range,


• three colours are exclusively available for Mégane Hatch, Coupé and
  Sport Tourer: Cayenne Orange, Glacier White and Mercury,


• two colours are specific to Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet: Pearlescent White
  and Royal Blue,


• three colours are available for all four body styles: Ruby Red,
  Pearlescent Black and Eclipse dark grey.

Optional equipment includes metallic paint (£405), Malta Blue or Cayenne
Orange i.d. paint (£495), extra-tinted rear windows (£205), dual-zone climate
control (£410), heated front seats (£305), electric panoramic sunroof (£615),
leather upholstery (£920), bi-xenon headlamps (£665), Carminat TomTom satellite
navigation (£460) and the Arkamys 3D sound radio with multifunctional TunePoint
(£360).

Model	CO2 g/km	Combined MPG	OTR Price
Hatch GT TCe 180	178	37.2	£21,910
Hatch GT dCi 160	155	47.8	£22,975
Coupé GT TCe 180	178	37.2	£22,410
Coupé GT dCi 160	155	47.8	£23,475
Sport Tourer GT TCe 180	178	37.2	£22,910
Sport Tourer GT dCi 160	155	47.8	£23,975

Customers can find further information at www.renault.co.uk

2010 Mercedes E Class Cabrio scale model

Daimler has released today the 2010 Mercedes E Class Cabrio scale model which is available in three sizes: 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18. The 2010 Mercedes E Class Cabrio scale model is available in various color combinations and will become available in showrooms from 27 March.

The 1:87 models are manufactured by Busch in Viernheim and come in non-metallic black, iridium silver metallic and calcite white and are priced at €15.90.

The 1:43 models are produced by Schuco of Fürth and have a price of €28. They come in a choice of stannite grey, fire opal or indigolite blue.

The bigger 1:18 model is priced from 59.90 EUR and features opening doors, trunk and hood. The 1:18 2010 Mercedes E Class Cabrio scale model is made by Norev.

via:zercustoms





Press release

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet will be available for delivery as of 27 March. To tie in with the launch, the corresponding miniatures will also go on show at Mercedes dealerships on a scale of 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18.

Does a black/alpaca grey interior provide the most attractive contrast to the iridium silver exterior? Or is stannite grey a better choice for the new Mercedes, combined with a mocha brown/almond beige interior? It’s not only customers buying a new car who are spoilt for choice when it comes to the E-Class Cabriolet. The high-quality miniature versions of the open-top four-seater also offer model car enthusiasts a choice between various individual colour combinations featuring original paint finishes for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. All models will be available exclusively from authorised Mercedes dealers as of 27 March, with toy shops following suit some months later.

The 1:87 models are manufactured by Busch in Viernheim and come in non-metallic black, iridium silver metallic and calcite white. The recommended retail price is €15.90. The 1:43 models of the open-top four-seater are produced by Schuco of Fürth (€28). These models come in a choice of stannite grey, fire opal or indigolite blue. The 1:18 models are manufactured by Norev. The interior is faithfully reproduced on all models. On the 1:18 model the doors can be opened to provide a closer look inside. Both the bonnet and the luggage compartment can also be opened up on this model. The interior and the luggage compartment are flock-coated throughout, fully in keeping with the original. This miniature is available for €59.90 in obsidian black, fire opal and iridium silver.

To enable the original and the miniature to grace the showroom at the same time, Mercedes-Benz cooperates closely with selected dependable suppliers from the model-car industry. Despite recourse to state-of-the-art computer design
technology, it still takes around a year to develop a high-quality miniature. This means that when the model-car specialists began their work, the original E-Class Cabriolet was still strictly confidential. The selected model car suppliers are provided with design data in advance, to enable the miniatures to be produced according to the same quality standards which apply to the full-scale vehicle.

Video: BMW Technik Think Tank Celebrates 25 Years of Concepts

BMW Technik is the BMW Group’s research subsidiary that put simply works on the future. They step back from the day to day task of designing and building the next BMW and MINI models and focus on research and engineering at a level that’s simply not possible normally. And since the introduction of Technik 25 years ago the group has created show stopping engineering mules, concepts and even a few production components and full on cars. So with that said BMW is celebrating today with an enormous amount of photos and press releases meant to give you the full run-down on what Technik has done over the past 25 years. With it we also present you an incredible gallery of photos some of which are seen here for the first time.

via:bimmerfile


Press Release

Source of innovation. 25 Years of BMW (Forschung und) Technik GmbH.

Innovative force entails future capability. The BMW Group owes its status as the world's most successful manufacturer of premium automobiles to an outstanding development concept in all areas relevant to driving pleasure, sustainability and safety. The principles of this pre-eminence have been forged over the last quarter of a century in BMW (Forschung und) Technik GmbH. The researchers operating within the framework of this think tank develop technologies and concepts for individual mobility in tomorrow's world. The subsidiary was created 25 years ago as BMW Technik GmbH. With this company the BMW Group has a centre of competence that is unique throughout the world. It safeguards and expands technology leadership for BMW by providing a constant stream of innovations.

This groundwork is carried out autonomously, but it is by no means uncoupled from the development of series vehicles. The experts working in BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH enjoy a high degree of creative freedom that allows them to take innovative approaches and look for unconventional solutions. They make use of diverse sources of inspiration which can range
from bionics to space engineering, and they develop perspectives on the future that extend far beyond the life cycle of a vehicle model. "Our project-related research is not linked to the current product range, although we naturally have the objective of consistently optimising the characteristic features of vehicles coming from the BMW Group and transferring our projects and ideas to series development," explains Professor Raymond Freymann, Managing Director of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.

The concept of cooperative research also ensures that the departments responsible for subsequent series development can be integrated within the relevant project at an early stage. This approach guarantees that operations for realisation are already being monitored during the research phase. The initiators of an innovation also support their project after it has been transferred to the pre-production and series development phase. They then move with their project to the series development department at BMW AG. This provides safeguards for ensuring that information is not lost at interfaces, and it promotes a dynamic exchange of ideas on a personal level between research and series development. This strategy facilitates a strategic and efficient use of the innovative force pooled within BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.

Competence centre in Munich and international network.

The subsidiary company was founded as BMW Technik GmbH in 1985. The main focus of activities in the early years was defined as the development and construction of concept vehicles. The minutes of the Executive Board meeting in January 1985 clearly set out the mission of the fledgling company: "The recently founded company BMW Technik GmbH has the mission to develop innovative, future-oriented and original overall vehicle concepts and sub-concepts away from the constraints of a specific series workflow schedule. However, the objective should always be to develop solutions that have the potential for series development." The initial aim was to work on projects under the working title "Auto 2000" and "Local Vehicle".

When the company was rebranded in 2003 as BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH to reflect both research and technology, the focus was shifted to developing technology that encompassed all types of BMW vehicle. The workforce currently has a headcount of around 200 at the Munich site, and BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has extensive expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering, hydrogen technologies, alternative drive and energy management concepts, active safety and driver assistance systems, as well as information and communication technologies in the vehicle. The research and technology centre also maintains centres in the USA: the Technology Office Palo Alto in Silicon Valley, California, and the Liaison Office Clemson, South Carolina. They enjoy a close relationship with universities such as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as research institutes and high-tech companies in other sectors. The aim is to harness innovative trends and technologies for deployment in the automobile sector.

There is also an extensive exchange of ideas with universities and research institutes at German and European level. Participation in the Eurécom European communication network - based at the Sophia Antipolis high-tech centre in southern France - ensures that the research subsidiary of the BMW Group has access to leading-edge information and telecommunication technologies. In addition, BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has a base at the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and drives forward the automation of intelligent behaviour and hence the "Automobile of the Future".

The Munich Center of Automotive Research (CAR@TUM) established as a joint venture with Munich Technical University gives the subsidiary of the BMW Group permanent access to high-flying young academics with great potential for the future and it also ensures access to important results derived from ground-breaking scientific research.

BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH also works on state-financed research projects at national and international level together with other automobile manufacturers and suppliers in order to create industry-wide standards, ultimately for the benefit of all customers. One of the latest examples of this work are the field trials for vehicle-to-vehicle communication in the project entitled "Safe mobility - Test bed Germany", abbreviated to simTD.

Anniversary: Premiere for fascinating concept vehicles and pioneering technologies.

The history of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has been defined by a long track record of concept vehicles and technological innovations which generated pioneering impetus for the development of series vehicles, components and systems. The influence of research projects exerts varying effects on series development, depending on the subject focus and complexity. The scope ranges from direct implementation in the form of a concrete project to long-term development of technology competence. BMW Group Research and Technology is presenting a selection of projects to celebrate this landmark anniversary. The specialists working at the centre have developed these projects and some of them will be experienced for the first time outside the confines of the well-guarded laboratories and workshops.

One of the first projects to be launched by the fledgling subsidiary company was the prototype for a BMW Z1 Coupé developed in 1988. This vehicle was created within the framework of a concept development based on the very first project of the new subsidiary - the BMW Z1 roadster produced in a limited series. The development engineers were interested in methods and technologies to facilitate a maximally efficient extension of a vehicle concept to additional derivatives. The knowledge gained from this project was used for the BMW Z3 series model, which was produced as a roadster and coupé, and for the first generation of the BMW Z4, which was also manufactured in open-top and closed versions.

A fuel-cell hybrid vehicle based on the BMW 1 Series is another project being presented in the public domain for the first time. This project developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH shows a highly innovative form of hybrid technology developed within the framework of Efficient Dynamics in conjunction with the use of hydrogen as a fuel. Alongside a four-cylinder petrol engine, the research vehicle has an electric power unit for city traffic. The electrical energy is generated by a small fuel cell in the form of an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and stored temporarily in high-performance capacitors. These so-called super caps cover the performance peaks for acceleration and taking off at traffic lights, and store the electricity generated during braking. Using a comparatively small fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen achieves a high level of efficiency for city traffic, while the internal combustion engine is only used for high-speed journeys. This combination could have the capability to provide an emission-free range of several hundred kilometres in city traffic and facilitate "recharging" within the space of a few minutes - this is in addition to the mobility reserves provided by the internal combustion engine for long-distance travel.

BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH is also celebrating its anniversary by providing a unique insight into innovative projects in the area of intelligent networking between driver, vehicle and environment. BMW ConnectedDrive already delivers a package of driver-assisted systems and mobility services that is unique throughout the world. These systems enhance comfort and safety, as well as optimising infotainment functions in the vehicle. The current research projects in this area include the narrow-passage assistant, which assists drivers if they are driving along particularly narrow lanes, for example near building works, and the emergency stop assistant which brings the vehicle safely to a stop if there is a medical emergency.

The latest success of the joint venture between BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH and Munich Technical University (CAR@TUM) is also presented. The project "IT-Motive 2020" involves the researchers developing an innovative architecture for information and communication technology integrated within the vehicle that permits functions previously distributed over a large number of different control units to be pooled in a homogeneous communication network. The aim is to provide a consistent hardware platform for displaying the continually expanding number of vehicle, comfort and safety functions.

Milestones: from the BMW Z1 to the lightweight sports coupé BMW Z29.

BMW Technik GmbH was launched in 1985 with the mission to develop innovative solutions for a large number of aspects associated with individual mobility. The specialists working in the newly established department were able to get to grips with this mission successfully in the very first project they tackled. They developed the BMW Z1 roadster. This vehicle project was intended to trial innovative materials, launch a revolutionary bodywork concept, and highlight opportunities for optimising development processes.

The result was so impressive that already three years later the first out of a total of 8 000 series vehicles left the Munich BMW Plant. With its plastic body, vertical sliding doors and fascinating handling properties, the BMW Z1 was not simply the first milestone in the history of BMW Technik GmbH - it also made its mark as an exceptional phenomenon on the road.

Revolutionary body and power-unit concepts were to shape development operations during the years to come. In 1993, the BMW Z13 was presented, a compact vehicle with a sporty design powered by a rear-mounted engine and three seats in an unconventional configuration. The driver was positioned behind the centrally located steering wheel, with seating space being provided behind the driver for two passengers. The study featured the driving pleasure typical of the brand, a high level of comfort, and outstanding safety attributes.

BMW E1: pioneer for electro-mobility.

The same year already saw BMW Technik GmbH presenting the BMW Z15. This first fully functional concept vehicle with pure electric drive was a development of the BMW Z11 electric vehicle presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991. As a prototype with the model designation BMW E1, the four-seater incorporated a design with pioneering aerodynamic and
ergonomic features that provided impressive testimony to the superlative potential of its emission-free drive technology even in normal everyday use. The BMW E1 provided a range of up to 200 kilometres and a top speed of 120 km/h. The prototype generated universal acclaim among members of the public and independent testers. The readers' choice in car magazine "Auto Zeitung" voted the BMW E1 as the winner in the category "Environment and Technology", and trade magazine "Auto Bild" described the BMW E1 as "the most advanced car of the century".

At the time, it was already evident that BMW was in a position to achieve typical BMW driving characteristics and operational capability geared to city driving with a purely electrical power unit. Series development would also be achievable if a battery technology with optimised power and cost could be developed. Today, BMW is continuing to build on this knowledge base in the context of project i: it provided the impetus for the development of a Mega City vehicle designed for emission-free mobility within large urban environments. An innovative vehicle concept and the most recent developments in the area of power unit and energy storage technology form the basis for a state-of-the-art presentation of electrical mobility.

New routes to maximum driving fun: BMW Z18 and BMW Just 4/2.

The development of the prototypes launched in 1995 also saw the specialists at BMW Technik GmbH searching for new and sophisticated approaches to driving pleasure. One of their ideas focused on designing an automobile counterpart to the Enduro motorcycle concept that was so successful during the 1990s. The yearning to explore off-road terrain and the pleasure of mobility under the open skies was combined for the first time on four wheels in the BMW Z18. An eight-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, a variable interior concept and elevated seating characterise the innovative driving experience in the robust roadster.

The BMW Z18 had to wait five years after it was created for its public debut - the occasion was the celebration of 15 years of existence for the think tank. Another prototype that offered the prospect of driving fun while having previously been confined to motorcycles captivated the driving public at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan as early as 1995. Freestanding wheels, a body that abandoned roof and windscreen, and a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine packing 100 hp were the hallmarks of the study where the two-seater concept was already integrated in the model designation - BMW Just 4/2.

Festival of innovations: The BMW Z22.

The BMW Z22 was among the most sophisticated technology platforms that BMW Technik GmbH ever created. The study was presented in 1999, and it bristled with no less than 70 innovations and 61 registered inventions in areas ranging across body concept, lightweight construction, power unit, safety, mechanical systems and controls. The use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic in an innovative processing procedure permitted compliance with the highest crash safety standards while at the same time significantly reducing weight. Power steering, an electromechanical braking system, cameras instead of wing and rear mirrors, and a cockpit design reduced to the bare essentials defined the mould-breaking, future-proof character of the BMW Z22. Adaptive headlights, Head-up Display and central control unit enabled the prototype to offer innovative functions that were soon implemented further down the line in BMW series vehicles.

Consistent lightweight construction for uncompromising driving pleasure: The BMW Z29.

Optimization of the vehicle weight by deploying the most advanced high-tech materials was the focus of development for the BMW Z29 concept study. The prototype of a two-seater sports car was completed by BMW Technik GmbH in 2001 and represents the culmination of cooperation with another subsidiary of the BMW Group - BMW M GmbH. The vehicle exerts
fascinating appeal with flowing lines and lambo-style doors. The principles underlying the outstanding potential of the BMW Z29 for dynamic driving can be found under the engine bonnet and below the surface of the paintwork. The power was generated by the in-line six-cylinder engine of the BMW M3 - at that time a technological benchmark - and the passenger cell was manufactured from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic while the rear axle, and front and rear module were designed in aluminium. The most important results of this combination: a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp and an acceleration ratio of 4.4 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h.

Research as foundation for Efficient Dynamics.

The Efficient Dynamics development strategy provides the BMW Group with the world's most efficient programme for reducing consumption and emission values in road traffic. The development of power systems with optimised efficiency, smart energy management in the vehicle, and aerodynamic measures form the key supporting aspects of this strategy, complementing lightweight construction throughout. BMW Group Research and Technology has made significant progress in all these areas since the company was established and the results have been channelled into the series development of many different new models.

Intensive fundamental research has also been carried out in the context of the development of innovative and alternative propulsion systems. The spectrum of research ranges from new concepts for the classic internal combustion engine, through hybrid technology and the deployment of hydrogen as a fuel in the vehicle, to electro-mobility. This demonstrates that research covers all the areas that today form the mainstays of the Efficient Dynamics development strategy.

Hybrid concepts: more efficiency, more driving pleasure - right from the start.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 are the first two models of the brand available in 2010 to use a combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor. Each model deploys a unique platform of BMW ActiveHybrid technology while also presenting a characteristic homogeneity: BMW ActiveHybrid presents tangibly enhanced dynamic
driving accompanied by significantly reduced consumption and emission values. This twin-track advance is manifested in the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, and from the start it shaped the ground-breaking work carried out by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH in hybrid technology. Hybrid technology in the style of BMW advances efficiency and intensifies driving pleasure.

The hybrid concept car based on the BMW 5 Series and developed in 1994 already facilitated fully electric and hence emission-free driving with characteristic features optimised for city traffic. The car's power-unit technology configured as a parallel hybrid drive combined a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric drive which generated a maximum output of 26 kW. The energy stored in a nickel-metal hydride battery was sufficient to power the car over a range of eleven kilometres in purely electric drive mode. Today, hybrid technology in the BMW 5 Series is more relevant to the modern world than ever before. It is well on the way to series maturity, as demonstrated at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 when the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid was featured and bore impressive testimony to the technology.

Within the space of just one year, the researchers had developed another hybrid concept vehicle and significantly extended the range of the vehicle solely under electric power. The BMW 3 Series with serial hybrid technology was primarily intended for city traffic and was able to travel a distance of 38 kilometres with the internal combustion engine switched off. Two electricmotors supplemented the four-cylinder petrol engine. One of them provided the propulsion while the other served as a generator within the system.

Researchers presented a hybrid vehicle based on the first generation of the BMW X5 in 2001, and this demonstrated the progress that had been made in the area of drive and energy-storage technology. The study combined an eight-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor to generate a maximum combined torque of 1000 newton metres. The high-power capacitors known as supercaps were the most important innovation in the first vehicle to be named after the Efficient Dynamics strategy. They were deployed as energy storage devices with particularly high power density. The BMW Concept X3 EfficientDynamics consistently progressed development of supercaps integrated in the side sills. The technology was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The specialists at BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH were also able to present new solutions for integrating the internal combustion engine and electric motor. BMW Concept X3 EfficientDynamics integrated the electric motor including performance electronics in a compact active transmission.

Option for the future, already operating today thanks to intensive research: hydrogen as a fuel.

Over the long term, the BMW Group is also committed to using hydrogen as an alternative fuel in vehicles. The use of hydrogen produced with assistance from renewable energy sources offers the option of emission-free mobility for the future. The capability of this power-unit technology for everyday use has already been demonstrated with the BMW Hydrogen 7. This car passed through the complete series development process before being manufactured as a limited series. The world's first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon for use under everyday conditions is powered by a bivalent twelve-cylinder internal combustion engine and has been made available to selected customers worldwide. They have meanwhile travelled a total of more than four million kilometres driving the BMW Hydrogen 7.

On the way to the BMW Hydrogen 7, BMW Group Research and Technology set up a large number of research projects and concept vehicles, leading to a much better understanding of hydrogen technology and the framework conditions for use in the automobile. A precursor to the BMW Hydrogen 7 was presented in 2000 as the BMW 750hL and used as a shuttle vehicle atthe Expo World Exhibition. The following years saw the BMW 750 hL driving more than 170 000 kilometres in a practical test during the "Clean Energy World Tour". Other pioneering achievements were provided by the BMW H2R hydrogen record vehicle. In September 2004, the model powered by a twelve-cylinder engine set up nine international records for hydrogen-powered vehicles with a piston engine at the BMW test track in Miramas, France. The car achieved a top speed of more than 300 km/h.

Research is currently focusing on the challenges that still have to be mastered for the application of hydrogen. Milestones are the development of a hydrogen-four-cylinder cryogenic test engine and modular hydrogen single-cylinder research engines with combustion chamber geometries similar to petrol and diesel engines that achieved outstanding levels of performanceand efficiency for hydrogen engines. The other innovations developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH in the area of hydrogen technologyinclude a variable shape tank with optimised weight made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic for storing hydrogen in the vehicle and a reformer system for generating synthesis gas as a concept for effective emission reduction inthe cold-start and catalytic-converter heating phase.

Another field of research involves tracking fuel cell technology with consistent focus on application for generating electricity to power the vehicle's on-board supply. Use of the fuel cell as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) has been undergoing development since 1997 at BMW. Consistent further development over the subsequent four generations of technology has resulted in a continuous increase in efficiency and permanently optimised compatibility with everyday use. These advances are being demonstrated with the fuel-cell hybrid vehicle on the occasion of the anniversary.

Connected Drive: networking as the key to more comfort, security and driving pleasure.

The development of electronic systems facilitates smart networking between driver, vehicle and environment, and BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has played a major role in enhancing comfort, safety and driving pleasure. Many of today's series vehicles feature driver assistance systems, mobility services, and systems for integrating external communication andentertainment modules that are based on innovations developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH.

Motivated by the objective of opening up new perspectives for networking with the outside world and creating the foundations for the necessary technology, the specialists at BMW Group Forschung und Technik GmbH are working on assistance systems that extend way beyond the scope of the assistance systems integrated in current series vehicles.

Advanced assistance systems created by the research department of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH include the TrackTrainer, which is supported by a melding of highly specific data from digital mapping, GPS and video and allows racing tracks - even the North Loop of the Nürburgring - to be negotiated autonomous in an ideal line. This system is used for training purposes during BMW Driver Training.

The emergency stop assistant developed in the context of the research project "Smart-Senior - Intelligent Services for Senior Citizens" uses the capabilities developed for the TrackTrainer to enhance traffic safety. The system is able to change to autonomous drive mode if an emergency situation caused by a health problem with the driver is identified, in order to carry out a safe emergency braking manoeuvre. Apart from reliable localisation of the vehicle within the lane, precise execution of the manoeuvre primarily involves robust identification of all the vehicles in the immediate environment.

Another research project in the area of automatic driving is the garage parker debuted in 2006. This system permits independent manoeuvring of the vehicle. All drive, braking and steering functions are controlled automatically to enable the vehicle to be steered in and out of a garage where space is restricted using remote control by the driver. If required, the system also activates the warning indicators and the headlamps, as well as swinging the wing mirrors in and out. The sensors for stopping the car automatically are naturally also activated if an obstacle is encountered.

More safety and efficiency through targeted communication.

A key area of development for our research subsidiary is interchange of information between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure, known as Car-to-X Communication (Car2X). One example is transmission of information about sequence times from traffic light systems. This means that a driver assistance system can either get information about the optimum speed so that cars can hit an individual green sequence of traffic lights and travel without stopping, or issue a warning about the possibility of going through a red light. Strategic transfer of data about the traffic situation, conditions on the carriageway and other factors allow early warnings to be broadcast from one vehicle to other drivers in the immediate environment about accidents, traffic jams or the formation of black ice. It is also possible to calculate the risk of collision based on the transmitted vehicle data so that warnings can be given in advance of potential crashes at junctions. As a manufacturer of cars and motorcycles, the BMW Group is in the unique position of being able to integrate both types of vehicle in the communication scenarios.

BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH also carries out ground-breaking work in the development of revolutionary operating concepts and control systems. One example of this is the concept of an entirely innovative cockpit design presented in a second-generation BMW 3 Series compact, with the Drive Stick as the focal point. Instead of steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal, the concept vehicle has two control levers projecting vertically from the door panel and the centre console. These allow the driving direction, acceleration and deceleration to be controlled using drive-by-wire technology. The Drive Stick Car project provides a particularly vivid example of the abilities of the specialists working at BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH to ask questions about basic assumptions, deploy a high level of creativity in seeking out radically different solutions, and harness the potential of innovative technologies. The knowledge collected in this project played a major role in influencing the evelopment of the electromechanical power steering and active steering marketed for BMW series models. It also provides the typical BMW steering feeling under the conditions of power steering support.

From sailing yacht to car: Optimised Head-Up Display technology.

Their fundamental research and technology development continually encourages the researchers to look at issues that at first glance appear to be way beyond the scope of the automobile. However, over the long term the knowledge gathered in this way is channelled into projects that lead to an increase in comfort, safety and driving pleasure within the context of BMW ConnectedDrive. The team from the Technology Office located at Palo Alto in the US developed a miniature head-up display integrated in the sunglasses of the crew members in the Oracle BMW Racing Team. This system was designed for use in the ocean race for the America's Cup and allows information and commands to be transferred speedily and selectively by projecting it onto the lenses of the sunglasses. This project generated additional know-how that was used for the advanced development of the Head-up Display in the latest series vehicles of BMW.

Identification and integration of new technologies as a recipe for success: BMW ConnectedDrive Services with functionality that is unique worldwide.

Defining principles were also identified by the Technology Office in Palo Alto for integrating external communication and entertainment modules in the vehicle. The first interface for integrating the Apple iPod was developed there and this included the option of using the BMW iDrive System to control the audio function. The pioneering work carried out by BMW Research and Technology has secured BMW a unique position for the integration of external communication and entertainment systems in the vehicle. The systems and services integrated within BMW ConnectedDrive guarantee functionality that remains a world first not matched by any other automobile manufacturer worldwide.

Innovative services for future mobility solutions are already being developed today, including the technology required for these concepts. The BMW Group Technology Office Palo Alto joined forces with other technical departments to develop an iPhone application for the BMW Concept ActiveE vehicle. This application delivers vital information directly to the driver's mobile phone, including data concerning battery charge status and the potential range of the vehicle running on electric power alone.

The prototype of a multifunctional car key was also developed as a means of networking the mobility experience with the driver's lifestyle. The BMW Key is provided with a security chip that allows the driver to make cashless purchases while also enabling other functions such as memorising the e-booking for hotel rooms. The driver's key has integrated credit card functions which offer the possibility of e-booking for bus, train and air travel while in the car and storing the purchased e-tickets on the key. When using hire car or car-sharing systems, the personalised key offers additional potential because it is assigned to the owner of the vehicle rather than to the car itself.

Audi S5 by Senner Tuning: White Beast

German tuner Senner Tuning has released its take on Audi's S5 Coupe. The call it the White Beast - apparently the Germans learned their "lesson" after last year's "White Power" RS6...

Visually, Senner has added a new front fascia, mimicking that of the Audi RS5, as well as a rear lip spoiler, LED taillamps and a new rear apron. Large 21-inch wheels better fill out the wells, and the suspension has been lowered (40 millimeters in front, 35 in back) to give the car a more aggressive road stance. Inside, a carbon fiber interior trim package has been added, as well as a new tachometer display screen.

Not only the optics but also the engine power has been upgraded. An additional 30hp and 35Nm are available for Audi S5, creating an overall power of 384hp and 475Nm. They have achieved the increase by installing a performance air filter plug-in package and a different exhaust system. Furthermore, the speed limitation of 250km/h was raised, so now the car can reach 285km/h. The acceleration up to this speed was boosted by the Power Converter, an electronic module of acceleration of the signal from the gas pedal.

The interior has strong carbon fibre finishes to emphasise the car's performance abilities. Senner charges €18,990 (US$25,338) for the package, including technical inspection costs.





Press Release

White beast - by Senner Tuning AG

The German art of tuning: a worthy example is the new S5 that had taken the form of a truly individual "sports car" in the hands of Senner Tuning AG tuners from Ingelheim. Apart from the decent design kit, Senner Tuning still has various upgrades ready to apply on the S5 series.

A front spoiler, stretched deeply below, with a large air inlet in RS5 Look with a well-suited radiator grill, designed in the form of cells, contributes to the perfect car body along the sliding air streams and optics. Additionally, we can find a rear spoiler lip at the body, as well as a rear apron unit performed in Carbon Look by Rieger tuning house. To make the appearance complete, the car is equipped with modern LED back lights, and a number-plate light has light-emitting diodes in clear white, too.

But this is still not enough. As the name "white beast" implies, not only the optics but also the engine power have been upgraded. With parametric surface optimization, performance air filter plug-in package and exhaust system, additional 30 ph and 35 Nm are now available for Audi S5, and the overall power now makes 384 ph and 475 Nm.

Furthermore, the speed limitation of 250 km/h was raised, so now the car can reach the full 285 km/h. The acceleration up to this speed was boosted by the Power Converter, an electronic module of acceleration of the signal from the gas pedal.

The corresponding sound of the newly acquired power is produced by the Senner Tuning exhaust system which emphasizes the car's sport-style appearance optically, too, with its four exhaust pipes of high-grade steel. The exhaust system includes a sport exhaust silencer and an X-pipe and is provided with an EU grant for vehicle operating.

To make the performance of the reinforced motor core optimal for the street and allow no losses, the craftsmen from Senner Tuning use lowered suspension springs with 40-mm suspension at the front axle and 35-mm suspension at the rear axle which also create a nice-looking aspect between the body and the rims.

In addition, giant and two-parted 21-inch polished light alloy wheel rims Work Varianza T1S in diamond black, that were produced exclusively for Senner Tuning, find their application with the white beast. High-performance tyres by Hankook with an S1 Evo label, as big as 255/30 R21 and 295/25 R21, were installed on 9x21" and 10,5x21" rims. And there is no need to adjust the wheel arch edges!

The interior has also undergone some changes. A carbon fiber interior package, including the tachometer display screen, sticks out from the rest. There is also a fancy foot mat of high-quality velour - this is where sport ambitions merge with individuality.

The cost of the whole renovation kit is 18,990 Euro including technical inspection fees!

Car Review Audi S5 Cabrio MTM Michelle 2010

Car Review Audi S5 Cabrio MTM Michelle 2010

Specialist machines in MTM Wettstetten proposed increase is enough to power the Audi S4 and the new Audi S5 Cabrio. Using the control device approved M-Cantronic, two cars, a motorcycle by the 3.0 TFSI engine, a powerful sports car with tremendous power reserve. The MTM S4 - which rejected the Avant models - the power of therapy, stands as the real successor to the Audi RS4, and now a V8 from the RS4 is only 10 bhp more powerful than the S4 MTM.

In addition to the engine control device M-Cantronic, MTM provides S4 car production by 4 pipe rear silencer with throttle valve. What results 430 bhp (317 kW), 515 Nm of torque and incredible 4.6 s 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) with a 6-speed manual gearbox. When the V-Cantronic also embedded and M-Cantronic, the normal speed of 250 kilometers per hour reachs 285 kilometers per hour.

2010 MTM Audi S5 Cabrio Michelle Edition Front

S4 is not the only model vehicles with 3.0 L engine and new compressor technology. The S5 Cabrio is also built with factory-made machine. It is then logical that modify the MTM S5 Cabrio that enables roaming around with a big power reserve. The tuning specialists from MTM propose different stages of the show, starting with the 380 bhp (280 kW) and 480 Nm of torque, which means about 47 bhp more than the model series. The expected complement exhaust system with throttle valve in the back of the optical pipe 4 (4 x 80 mm), have access to the stage ultimo increase from 430 bhp power and 515 Nm.

So much power in the new MTM supercharged S4 brake system needs important, of course, that customers can be found in MTM. With 380 x 34 mm brake disks, drilled with 8-piston calipers, S4 reduce the speed much better. With the body work, trust MTM series models. However, MTM puts down new springs lower the car by 40 mm at the front and axes to 45 mm on the back of an ax. To achieve perfection, the package includes 19 "rims on the original Bimoto dimensional design with 255/35 ZR 19. Of course, the 20 "rims are also available in a choice.

2010 MTM Audi S5 Cabrio Michelle Edition

Car Review Audi S5 Cabrio MTM Michelle 2010

Car Review Audi S5 Cabrio MTM Michelle 2010

Specialist machines in MTM Wettstetten proposed increase is enough to power the Audi S4 and the new Audi S5 Cabrio. Using the control device approved M-Cantronic, two cars, a motorcycle by the 3.0 TFSI engine, a powerful sports car with tremendous power reserve. The MTM S4 - which rejected the Avant models - the power of therapy, stands as the real successor to the Audi RS4, and now a V8 from the RS4 is only 10 bhp more powerful than the S4 MTM.

In addition to the engine control device M-Cantronic, MTM provides S4 car production by 4 pipe rear silencer with throttle valve. What results 430 bhp (317 kW), 515 Nm of torque and incredible 4.6 s 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) with a 6-speed manual gearbox. When the V-Cantronic also embedded and M-Cantronic, the normal speed of 250 kilometers per hour reachs 285 kilometers per hour.

2010 MTM Audi S5 Cabrio Michelle Edition Front

S4 is not the only model vehicles with 3.0 L engine and new compressor technology. The S5 Cabrio is also built with factory-made machine. It is then logical that modify the MTM S5 Cabrio that enables roaming around with a big power reserve. The tuning specialists from MTM propose different stages of the show, starting with the 380 bhp (280 kW) and 480 Nm of torque, which means about 47 bhp more than the model series. The expected complement exhaust system with throttle valve in the back of the optical pipe 4 (4 x 80 mm), have access to the stage ultimo increase from 430 bhp power and 515 Nm.

So much power in the new MTM supercharged S4 brake system needs important, of course, that customers can be found in MTM. With 380 x 34 mm brake disks, drilled with 8-piston calipers, S4 reduce the speed much better. With the body work, trust MTM series models. However, MTM puts down new springs lower the car by 40 mm at the front and axes to 45 mm on the back of an ax. To achieve perfection, the package includes 19 "rims on the original Bimoto dimensional design with 255/35 ZR 19. Of course, the 20 "rims are also available in a choice.

2010 MTM Audi S5 Cabrio Michelle Edition

Audi Cars Modification 2010-2011

Audi Cars

Audi Cars Pics

Audi Cars Modification 2010-2011

Audi Cars

Audi Cars Pics

GeigerCars Hummer H2 Bomber

Hummer H2 Bomber GeigerCars has been released.

Designed to be the ultimate off-road vehicle, the Bomber features Mattracks 88M1-A1 rubber tracks (8.5" x 20" wheels with 305/60 tires are standard). Measuring 150cm (59.1") long and 40cm (15.7") wide, the tracks "guarantee unrivalled traction on virtually any type of terrain, whether the vehicle is needed for agriculture, emergency services or expedition."

The Geiger Hummer H2 Bomber is powered by 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 398 bhp at 5,700 rpm and 574 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. The power of the Geiger Hummer H2 Bomber is sent to the tracks via six-speed automatic gearbox.

The car also features a sunroof and a navigation system with a DVD-drive from Kenwood, a roof monitor with headphones and a rear view camera with a monitor in the rear view mirror. GeigerCars could also install an LPG Autogas system with 155 litre fuel tank and several other enhancements that will increase the fun factor and please any customer.

The exterior of the Hummer H2 Bomber GeigerCars comes in matte silver, has extra headlights on the roof and special decals “borrowed” from the military.
Inside you can find a Kenwood DVD player with a great nav system, a monitor for the rear seats and a panoramic roof.

Source: GeigerCars





Press Release

Hummer H2 "Bomber"

Armed for any conditions: Hummer with Mattracks rubber tracks

In its regular trim, the Hummer H2 not only looks fantastic, but also brings with it a real degree of off-road capabilities. But this can go much further, as GeigerCars.de have proved with the "H2 Bomber" on rubber tracks.

In contrast to the regular wheels with their 8.5" x 20" rims encompassing 305/60 tyres, the specialists from Munich have equipped their project SUV with a Mattracks 88M1-A1 rubber tracks at each wheel. Those massive structures, 40cm wide and 150cm long, guarantee unrivalled traction on virtually any type of terrain, whether the vehicle is needed for agriculture, emergency services or expedition. Even extreme gradients are handled without a sweat, not least thanks to the powerful 8 cylinders under the bonnet which gives you 398 bhp and 574 Nm of torque.

How well the GeigerCars.de Hummer acquits itself on the rubber tracks can be left to Autobild editor Wolfgang Blaube to experience: He explored to legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in the depths of winter with the circuit covered in snow and was completely captured by the "new dimension of fun" after just a few kilometres.

Also in the interior of the GeigerCars.de "Bomber", finished in a matte silver, with extra headlights on the roof and the lettering printed in an army style, the fun factor is not missed out: The luxury design fulfils every wish and a sunroof is every bit a part of the Hummer project as the navigation system with a DVD drive from Kenwood, the roof monitor with headphones or the rear-view camera including a monitor in the rear-view mirror. If requested, the Geigercars team can of course equip each Hummer model with an economical LPG autogas system and other extras.

If you're on the lookout for an off-road master, the H2 is definitely the right choice. With a Hummer equipped with rubber tracks, no terrain remains inaccessible.

Technical details - GeigerCars.de Hummer H2

Engine: 6.2l V8
Power: 398 bhp at 5,700 rpm
Torque: 574 Nm at 4,300 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic gearbox
Aluminium wheels: 8.5" x 20"
Kenwood sat-nav with DVD drive
Roof monitor with headphones
Rear-view camera with monitor in the rear view mirror
Other possible accessories: Mattracks rubber tracks, LPG Autogas system with 155 litre fuel tank, roof box with lighting, special silver matte finish, 35 x 12.50 R20 LT tyres.