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BMW ‘M’ division to use hybrid technology in the long-term
Posted: July 25th, 2008
BMW ‘M’ division to use hybrid technology in the long-term We’ve previously heard that that BMW’s M division is considering V6 turbocharged engines for future M models to cut CO2 emissions. Well, now BMW M GmbH is reportedly considering hybrid-drive in the long-term. Currently, output of conventional combination of a gasoline-engine and electric motor is still too low for the high-performance division to put into production models. According to BMW M GmbH head of development Albert Biermann, BMW is looking to transfer over the technology it will start using in its Formula 1 cars in the 2009 season called KERS. KERS, which stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System, has a hybrid module consisting of an electric motor, generator and a battery. The hybrid module is said to be five times smaller and about five times more powerful than in a conventional hybrid. At low speeds, the energy is recovered and saved to the electric-motor and then used later for additional power. There is no word when BMW will use the technology in production M models. Source: Auto Motor und Sport |
toyota better hurry up with the FT-HS to show how it should be done
:D |
Its official. M now truly stands for MASS. The days of true M cars are gone in favor of sales, making them heavier, making them easier to drive and putting more power than they need. If I want all that, I'll get an AMG or a F car thank you.
You should see the articles in EVO/Car and even the American mags in the editorial columns. Loyal BMW owners do not like this "M" mass trend at all. The new M cars never finish higher than the older cars in "M" comparos. Are they superb still? You bet. However, they really have lost what made them truly special. |
*sigh* ... bimmer ... i hope they have a good big secret plan they're working from ...
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Originally Posted by 1SICKGOAT
(Post 3707027)
Its official. M now truly stands for MASS. The days of true M cars are gone in favor of sales, making them heavier, making them easier to drive and putting more power than they need. If I want all that, I'll get an AMG or a F car thank you.
You should see the articles in EVO/Car and even the American mags in the editorial columns. Loyal BMW owners do not like this "M" mass trend at all. The new M cars never finish higher than the older cars in "M" comparos. Are they superb still? You bet. However, they really have lost what made them truly special. YET, at the same time, I know at least one 550 owner who is seriously considering upgrading to a M5 and one of the main reasons is the goodies that it offers coupled with a sweet sounding 500hp engine....Not sure if this would happen if the car was a stripper (and how can you even do that when it is supposed to be above the lower 5-series cars?). |
Originally Posted by doug_999
(Post 3707475)
Mike, I agree with you. The options on the M5 are amazing - you can even get soft close doors. Why they put things like this on their performance car I do not understand.
YET, at the same time, I know at least one 550 owner who is seriously considering upgrading to a M5 and one of the main reasons is the goodies that it offers coupled with a sweet sounding 500hp engine....Not sure if this would happen if the car was a stripper (and how can you even do that when it is supposed to be above the lower 5-series cars?). It is clear if you want the older experience, you just buy an older car. Its rare for a new car today to not get bigger/heavier/more complex. I just wish M cars would keep some of the tech off and weight off to truly continue to set the bar. |
Which is one of the reasons why they made the CSL right? However that is even more expensive than a regular M car. Maybe they should offer less features on the base M and make a luxury/technology package for those who want the goodies. :dunno:
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Originally Posted by GFerg
(Post 3707595)
Which is one of the reasons why they made the CSL right? However that is even more expensive than a regular M car. Maybe they should offer less features on the base M and make a luxury/technology package for those who want the goodies. :dunno:
So then they question why buy it when yes its lighter but you lose all the reasons a M3 is such a good high performance car that can be used daily. They picked the base 911 still. I find the CSL to look so tits though I'd get it on that alone.:D http://www.worldofstock.com/slides/TRC2004.jpg |
Originally Posted by GFerg
(Post 3707595)
Which is one of the reasons why they made the CSL right? However that is even more expensive than a regular M car. Maybe they should offer less features on the base M and make a luxury/technology package for those who want the goodies. :dunno:
If however you take a regular car and you simply discontent it, then it should NOT cost more. |
i always think its funny when its the same product w. fewer benefits but overall it costs more ... who buys that!
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Thats smart. Just think how fast the RX400h is. Attach a hybrid drive to the 4.8L and that would be pretty sweet.
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Originally Posted by 1SICKGOAT
(Post 3707649)
Well another two edged sword:D In Euro reviews, they liked the CSL though you cannot drive it in the rain (b/c of tires). Then there is less insulation, no radio, no A/C etc.
So then they question why buy it when yes its lighter but you lose all the reasons a M3 is such a good high performance car that can be used daily... The CSL in your picture happens to be the "Loaded" CSL that ran the ring in something like 7:22. |
This is even more disgusting than the hybrid LF-A, which was about as disgusting as I thought disgusting would be. Oh well, BMW already sold out big time with the move away from NA, so I guess I should have expected this...
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Time to wrap your mind around new ways to wring performance out of a car.
This is just a gimmick to capitalize on the F1 link tho......... Toyota where the heck is the FT-HS? |
Originally Posted by doug_999
(Post 3707475)
Mike, I agree with you. The options on the M5 are amazing - you can even get soft close doors. Why they put things like this on their performance car I do not understand.
The customer is king. If these things are in demand, then BMW would be ignorant not to offer it on an M product as the customer may very well go over to the competition (RS, AMG and F) that might offer what he/she wants. :thumbup: |
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