Ever since BMW made the switch to run flats we’ve been waiting patiently for the technology to mature to the point of being transparent. Transparent meaning that there’s no trade-off in feel, performance and comfort as compared to the tires we’re all used to. With the launch of the 3rd generation of run flats, tire makers – specifically Bridgestone – may have finally done it. Our friends at Tirerack recently tested the Bridgestone’s third generation run flat and came away very impressed with the results and the tech behind it all. Here’s an excerpt:
Bridgestone’s new third generation (3G) run-flat features a sidewall design that helps minimize the run-flat tire’s negative influence on ride comfort. While still thicker than a conventional tire, the signature features of the 3G run-flat sidewall are a unique exterior cooling fin design and special rubber compound, both designed to reduce the heat buildup that occurs while driving on a tire that is no longer inflated. Reduced heat buildup during run-flat operation allows for the thinner sidewall design, ultimately improving ride comfort. continued →
Hot out of the BimmerFile inbox we have the first confirmation that the 6 Series Gran Coupe (the four door 6 Series) is being readied for production. Above you can see the first internal order sheets for the car. As expected it’ll share options with the the coupe and convertible 6 Series that launched in 2011. (Full form after the break) continued →
On Saturday, November 26th, professional and privateer BMW racers attended the annual BMW Motorsport banquet in Munich and North American BMW teams and drivers were well represented to celebrate this season’s championships. continued →
Last year it launched in Europe. Now it’s available in the US for the first time. CULTURE celebrates The BMW Group’s 40 years of cultural commitment and its ongoing support of more than 100 projects throughout the world with the launch of the book CULTURE. Created by Grammy-Award winning graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, the limited-edition book illustrates the BMW Group’s cultural partnerships. continued →
China Daily is reporting that BMW plans on exporting some of its Chinese built cars as a trial in the coming year. The plan is to export products (likely complete knock down kits – or CKD to get around import tariffs) to other developing economies in the Asia or the Mid-east. Currently BMW builds the 3 and 5 Series in China with the X1 to start next year.
One thing they won’t be doing yet is exporting these cars to traditional markets. Not yet at least. continued →
Citing newspaper reports in Japan, analysts believe that BMW and Toyota are planning on sharing fuel saving engine technology in future products. A report by J.P. Morgan’s Tokyo office is claiming that Toyota would get diesel engines in place of providing hybrid technologies to be used for future BMW and MINI products. The analyst went on to say that they see this as a positive for Toyota – helping them get crucial diesel engines for European markets quickly and cheaply.
BMW Motorsport used the 50th BMW Sports Trophy Award Ceremony to announce further details of next year’s programme. The focus is firmly on the return to the DTM after an absence of almost 20 years. However, perhaps more important for the US market, BMW has firmly committed to campaigning it’s RLL ALMS team for 2012.
At the ceremony in the Double Cone building at Munich’s BMW Welt, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt presented the latest addition to the team of DTM drivers, the newly crowned DTM champion Martin Tomczyk (DE). Tomczyk will join Andy Priaulx (GB), Augusto Farfus (BR) and Bruno Spengler (CA), who have already been confirmed as BMW drivers, behind the wheel of a BMW M3 DTM in the coming season. The BMW Sports Trophy will be even more important next year: The winner of the annual BMW privateer competition will be rewarded with a test day in the BMW M3 DTM from 2012. continued →
If you’re in Munich this Friday, you’ll want to head over to the BMW Museum for the fourth annual “Night of the White Gloves”. From 19.00 hrs on 25 November, visitors to the Museum will don a pair of white gloves and then be allowed to stroke all the cars they are normally only permitted to caress with their eyes. continued →
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
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Sections: Technology Dec 1st, 2011 7 Comments 
