BMW i8 Concept – emotional, dynamic and efficient

The BMW i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.

The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle’s sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an “energy tunnel”, which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance.

The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable.
Driving dynamics.
Thanks to the two drive systems, all four wheels of the BMW i8 Concept can be driven at the same time, similarly to an all-wheel-drive vehicle. This solution combines the advantages of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive to ensure the optimal dynamic drive configuration as required. Depending on traction conditions and driving situation, intelligent dynamic driving systems ensure maximum energy recuperation without compromising dynamics and stability. This allows very high levels of energy recuperation even in the wet or in snow.

Efficient and dynamic – the BMW i8 Concept
The design of the BMW i8 Concept is as special as the car’s overall concept, embodying the perfect synthesis of technology and aesthetic allure. Its sweeping lines and flat silhouette lend the vehicle a strikingly dynamic appearance even when standing still. A large, transparent greenhouse lends the exterior an extraordinary feeling of lightness and highlights the exceptional efficiency of this vehicle concept. Short front and rear overhangs round off the sporting overall impression. Despite its dynamic appearance, the 2+2-seater can accommodate four people, giving it a high degree of everyday practicality.
As with the BMW i3 Concept, layering again serves as the central design element of the interior and exterior. The individual vehicle components are also clearly visible from the outside, the black and transparent Life module clearly setting itself apart from the silver-coloured body components around it. This layering approach lends the BMW i8 Concept an extremely technical and cutting-edge appeal.

BMW i3 Concept – dynamic, urban, emission-free.

The BMW i3 Concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.

The BMW i3 is a well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimised to fulfil its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic. Innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the i3 Concept to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event of a collision, they also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.
All-electric – the BMW i3 Concept.
The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept is designed primarily for operation in an urban environment, developing 125 kW/170 hp, with peak torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Typically of an electric motor, maximum torque is developed from standstill, in contrast to an internal combustion engine where torque increases with engine rpm. This makes the BMW i3 Concept highly agile and provides impressive acceleration. The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds.
At the same time the abundant torque is delivered over a very large rpm range, resulting in very smooth power delivery. The single-speed gearbox provides optimal power transmission to the rear wheels and accelerates the BMW i3 Concept to an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph) without loss of power. The electric drive also allows for deceleration by means of the accelerator pedal. After the driver eases up on the accelerator, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electricity which is then fed back into the battery. Energy recuperation generates a braking effect which makes a significant contribution to vehicle deceleration.

A coasting facility makes this unique “single-pedal control” of acceleration and braking using just the accelerator even more user-friendly. When the driver eases off the pedal, the electric motor’s zero torque control keeps the drive train disconnected as long as the pedal is in this position. The vehicle now coasts without consuming power, driven by its own kinetic energy.
Compact and powerful – the electric motor.
The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept not only offers attractive driveability; its innovative nature is particularly evident in the favourable power-to-size ratio. As a result of continuous development and refinement, the space requirements of the electric motor used in the BMW i3 Concept have been reduced by 40 per cent compared with the motor used in the MINI E. This compact drive unit is mounted over the rear axle, together with the power electronics, transmission and differential, and does not intrude into the interior. The power needed to drive the vehicle and to operate all other vehicle functions is supplied by specially developed lithium-ion battery cells. The BMW i3 Concept’s battery system has undergone detailed optimisation which significantly reduces the extent to which external factors can influence the vehicle’s power. Furthermore, an intelligent heating/cooling system keeps the battery at its optimal operating temperature at all times, which helps to significantly boost the performance and life expectancy of the cells.

The battery can be fully recharged in six hours at a standard power socket. If a high-speed charger is used, an 80 per cent charge can be achieved in just one hour.
Range extender increases the driving range.
As the MINI E field tests showed, 90 per cent of the mobility requirements of the pilot users could be met with the range of the MINI E. However, some customers want a longer driving range, or want their vehicle to be as flexible as possible. The BMW i3 Concept therefore offers an optional range extender, the REx, which allows the driving range to be increased. REx, a small, very smooth-running and quiet petrol engine, drives a generator which maintains the battery charge level to ensure that the vehicle can continue to run on electric power.

Chrysler 200 S convertible and sedan

The new Chrysler 200 series vehicles provide customers elegant, well-crafted mid-size vehicles with an extraordinary level of standard content and an exhilarating driving experience. From the ground up, the new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible have been redesigned and upgraded to deliver great American design and engineering, with a value proposition that exceeds expectations.

Now, with the introduction of the S models, Chrysler expands the lineup, offering customers production vehicles with a one-of-a-kind style. The S models have the same DNA as the traditional models, but with an entirely different appearance and attitude. While the traditional Chrysler models make a style and luxury statement, the S models create a different path through the Chrysler brand, taking style in a whole new direction, with a completely different attitude.

“The New York International Auto Show is the perfect place to debut the new 2011 Chrysler 200 S sedan and Chrysler 200 S convertible models,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO, Chrysler Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “These vehicles are built with an unmistakable attitude and a signature style; and you could say the same of New York itself. The attitude may be ‘Imported from Detroit,’ but it's definitely at home on Park Avenue.”

Chrysler 200 S Sedan
With an elegant style, refined ride and handling characteristics, an exquisitely-crafted interior, a new powertrain and an abundance of standard safety features, the Chrysler 200 sedan is beautifully inspired and a remarkable value. The Chrysler 200 provides drivers a little more style and elegance in segment traditionally known for its “sea of sameness.”

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

Distinctive exterior design elements exclusive to the S model include a unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps for a little extra attitude, distinctive 18-in. aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.

Chrysler 200 S Convertible
The new 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible offers consumers an open-air driving experience featuring elegant craftsmanship inside and out, a fun, yet refined driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content. The 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible is an exciting alternative for customers who want the benefits of a coupe and the true open-air freedom of a convertible, all at a surprising value.

Redesigned and re-engineered for 2011, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is unique in the standard specialty segment as a true mid-sized convertible that comfortably seats 4 adults and has enough room in the trunk, even when the power top is dropped. Consumers can choose from two automatically latching tops, a body-color painted steel, retractable hard top, or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

The new 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan S model brings a distinct style with a little bit of attitude for the customer that wants to express their individual style, at a price that makes sense.

THE JAGUAR XKR-S SPECIFICATIONS

PERFORMANCE & ECONOMY
PERFORMANCE (MANUFACTURER'S ESTIMATES) 5.0 LITRE V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL
Acceleration 0-60mph (seconds) 4.2
Top speed (mph) 186
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Urban (mpg / ltr/100 km) 14.9 (18.9)
Extra Urban (mpg / ltr/100 km) 33.0 (8.6)
Combined (mpg / ltr/100 km) 23.0 (12.3)
Carbon Dioxide emissions (g/km) 292
Tank capacity (gals / ltr approx.) 15.6 (71.0)
ENGINE & TECHNICAL
ENGINE 5.0 LITRE V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL
Cylinders/valves per cylinder 8/4
Bore/Stroke (mm) 92.5/93
Capacity (cc) 5,000
Maximum Power (PS / kW) 550 (404)
@ rev/min 6,000-6,500
Maximum torque (Nm/ lb.ft.) 680 (501)
@ rev/min 2,500 - 5,500
Compression ratio:1 9.5:1
Transmission 6-speed automatic
WEIGHT
WEIGHT 5.0 LITRE V8 SUPERCHARGED PETROL
Weight (kg) 1,753
Gross vehicle weight (kg) 2,145
DIMENSIONS
Overall height (mm) 1,312
Wheelbase (mm) 2,752
Overall length (mm) 4,794
Overall width inc mirrors (mm) 2,028
Overall width with
mirrors folded in (mm) 1,892
Internal headroom - Front (mm) 950
Internal headroom - Rear (mm) 767
Ground Clearance (mm) 100
Turning circle (m) 10.9
Boot volume with
roof up (litres VDA) 330
Boot volume with
roof down (litres VDA) n/a

MWDesign BMW Z4 White Flame

MWDesign Project BMW e89 Z4 “White Flame”

Modern minimalist design is an important influence in the tuning aesthetic at MWDesign Technik. Each vehicle is a unique project that can be expressed through layers of texture with materials, color and specific custom parts.

Our E89 “White Flame” project is a follow up to the highly successful black and lime green “Slingshot” project that was featured in many prestigious publications including Performance BMW magazine. We wanted our next project to be totally different while being clean, complex and exciting at the same time.

A long time friend and client of ours liked our golf club inspired concept of the Slingshot Z4 project and requested that we base his brand new 2011 Alpine White/Coral Red Z4 off the unreleased at the time Taylormade R-11 golf club. The white/red/grey theme couldn’t be more perfect for this integration of design elements between the car and club. Without being too explicit, we tried to translate some of the key design cues and coloration off the club into the car. The white, red and grey theme worked perfectly on the car to capture the essence of the highly technical R-11 driver.
The intermittent color blocked pinstripe theme was run from the nose of the vehicle, closely following the bold character lines of E89 Z4. Our friends at Blitzgear carefully laid two silver pinstripes in a near intersecting style, highlighting the two main character bulges on the side of the car. This had to be carefully planned out as pinstripes often go terribly wrong. Some of the key characteristics of the R-11’s pinstripe were translated onto the rear rollbars of the Z4. They were first painted alpine white to match the body with the striping and red triangle pattern applied afterward.
The red/black sport striping continued onto the large 20×9F / 20×10.5R Forgestar F10 wheels with classically styled stepped lips. A neutral painted silver face, carbon fiber center cap and polished outer lip was selected to match the factory silver and chrome kidney grills. Our long time partners at Toyo Tires sponsored the project vehicle with a set of Toyo T1-R in 245/30/20 F 285/25/20 R configurations, perfectly balanced to handle the various weather conditions in Vancouver, BC.

To perfect the stance, we used H&R sport springs, which lower the center of gravity and close the wheel gap to perfection. To enhance the modern look of the vehicle, we contacted our good friends at 3D Design in Japan for the front lip spoiler for the project. The polyurethane construction of the pieces makes for an extremely durable bumper with perfect fitment, two qualities that are very rare in the aftermarket world!
For the rear diffuser section, we opted for the factory M-sport 3.5is piece. This was painted in alpine white to match the body with a contrasting grey lower trim. To up the performance and fill the large new diffuser, we fitted a Milltek 2×100mm Catback Exhaust System and powdercoated the entire system matte silver in a ceramic-like finish. To complete the power upgrades, a Dinan Stage II ECU upgrade to 400hp and OEM BMW Performance big brakes are coming on the next phase.

In building this project E89 Z4, we wanted the car to be a “White Flame” as bold as a magnesium fire. Extremely clean looking, eye-catching yet gone out of your sight in a few seconds.