Section: EfficientDynamics
Jan 31st, 2012
BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 Series is the first two mode hybrid from the brand. Unlike the X6 and 7 Series Hybrids (one was a learning tool codeveloped with Mercedes Benz and GM , the other is barely a hybrid) the 5 Series Hybrid follows the typical formula of two drivetrains that can work together or separate using a battery pack to supplement engine drive. There are some key additions to this formula that makes this a uniquely BMW solution.
First, let’s look at the facts. The ActiveHyrid 5 Series marries the familiar N55 TwinPower in-line six with an in-house developed electric drive system and the excellent and equally familiar ZF sourced 8-speed auto. The system gives the car an extra 35 hp over the standard 535i 300hp and allows the car to be driven on electric power up to 37 mph for 2.5 miles.
Full gallery and video after the break.
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Jan 29th, 2012
We’re just off the plane from having driven the new AH5 and will have our full review ready soon. But in the meantime you can get a first look at the car via BMWNA’s first official release.
Official release: BMW takes the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level with the introduction of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – another series-produced model in which a combustion engine and electric motor join forces to enhance both efficiency and the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 brings together a BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox for the first time. The latest generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely controlled – and therefore extremely effective – intelligent energy management. All of which gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 an exceptional balance of performance and fuel efficiency for the benchmark performance sedan in the premium executive car class.
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Jan 23rd, 2012
Official Release: The recruitment process for the highly anticipated all-electric BMW ActiveE is now open in the metropolitan markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. The BMW ActiveE is available by lease only at a cost of $499 per month for 24 months with a down payment of $2,250. Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts interested in leasing the BMW ActiveE can begin the recruitment process at www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE. Vehicles are available on a first come, first served basis.
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Jan 20th, 2012
Official Release: No fewer than six BMW Group models have received the prestigious 2011 GOOD DESIGNTM Award: the BMW 6 Series Convertible, the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the BMW ActiveE, and the two motorcycle models BMW K 1600 GT/GTL along with the BMW G650 GS. The annual GOOD DESIGNTM Award ranks as the most celebrated international accolade in the field of product design – and this year once again it honours the outstanding quality of BMW Group Design.
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Jan 20th, 2012
As we predicted last week, BMW will be updating the 2.0L diesel engine to produce more power and burn less fuel. Today Autocar confirms this with a few new details of their own. According to the British magazine, in 125d guide, the new engine will produce 218bhp (up 13) and likely a mountain of torque. 0-60 should be in the low 6s with a top speed of around 150 mph.
So why are we so excited about this? Because this could be the engine that form the basis of BMW’s next diesel strategy in the US. It’s still technically a rumor at this point but it’s getting juicier by the minute and this could give us a hint of what’s to come.
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Jan 12th, 2012
NAIAS has just begun in Detroit, the press is there in full force, yet we are excited to tell you about what we expect in Geneva. The first week of March along the shores of Lake Geneva is something car fans would normally refrain from doing as per the weather but when the world’s best auto manufacturers are to roll out some of their finest wears auto aficianados make the trip. Mind you nothing has been made official about what is going to be shown, but we thought we would air out the laundry a bit. This year’s Geneva show, we’ve heard from varying sources, is where BMW will show its next generation of diesel engines in addition to the Gran Coupe, the M6 drop top, the X6 (X6 M as well) and 7 Series refreshes, the BMW Performance 3 Series Studie as well as a surprise guest (we are thinking X4 or MINI Space Box in prototype form).
BMW M has been teasing its monster X6 diesel (not destined in any form for US consumption) for the past several months as we’ve reported on and it is the biggest round in the BMW Group diesel arsenal but the oil burners aren’t stopping there. It makes perfect sense from a marketing perspective to have the pinnacle of BMW diesels to debut in a refreshed product and to be the halo of a new diesel family being debuted.Sources point that BMW will show several diesel powered models in Geneva with new engines.
That is fine and all but what is most interesting to us is that our source states that some of these new engines will be available stateside with tweaks for US emissions.
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Dec 1st, 2011
The rumors were true. Today BMW and Toyota took the wraps off of their hybrid collaboration plans around next generation lithium ion batteries.
Official Release: BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announce that they today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning a mid-to-long-term collaboration on next-generation environment-friendly technologies.
Under the MOU, the two companies agreed on a collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies. Furthermore, they have agreed to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.
In addition, Toyota Motor Europe (TME), TMC’s European subsidiary, and BMW Group have entered into a contract under which BMW Group is to supply 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to TME starting in 2014. The engines will be installed in certain Toyota-produced vehicles planned for sale in the European market. Through this agreement, Toyota plans to expand its European lineup and sales of fuel-efficient, low CO2-emission diesel-powered vehicles.
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Nov 28th, 2011
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.
So what about BMW?
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