2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The BMW i8 Concept retains much of the theatre and excitement of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept that first previewed the futuristic sports car design at Frankfurt in 2009, and starred at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last month. Sometimes it is time to leave the city. Escape the restrictions of everyday life. The BMW i8 is an icon of progress. It combines the energizing performance of a sports car with benchmark efficiency.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

Unlike the Vision concept which utilised a diesel engine, the new 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept adopting a hybrid setup with an electric motor and a 1.5-liter gasoline unit. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces an astonishing 164kW of power and 300Nm of torque. To give that some perspective, the current BMW 125i is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six with 160kW of power and 270Nm of torque – double the capacity, double the cylinders, 4kW less power, 30Nm less torque.

The 2014 BMW Sport Cars 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 - wîth a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW (220 hp)/300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The electric motor in the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept is a full-capability unit which can also power the car on its own, if required. However, working in tandem allows 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.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

Assisting the petrol engine is 96kW/250Nm electric motor, which draws power from a lithium-ion battery. With a combined maximum power output of 260kW and 550Nm, the i8 Concept is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds (80-120km/h in 4.0 seconds) and will go on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

These impressive features of the German sports car are even greater considering that BMW announced a combined fuel consumption of only 2,7 liters/100 km. In terms of dimensions, the i8 Concept measures 4,6m long, 1,9m wide and 1,2m tall.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The great power amount offered by the new i8 is also valued by the low total mass of only 1,480 kilograms achieved by using a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body and an aluminum chassis. The Germans claim that they managed to obtain a 50/50 weight distribution by mounting the engines on each axle, this achievement bringing significant advantages.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The weight of every component inside the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept has been minimised down to the very last detail, allowing the extra weight of the electric drive system and battery to be cancelled out. The 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept therefore presents the ideal environment in which to sample this very special drive concept on the road. The passengers sit - in typical sports car style - in an extremely low and enclosed position inside the CFRP-constructed Life module (mounted above the Drive module).

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

“The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the 2014 BMW Sport Cars 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,” adds BMW.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

Far from just being a performance car, however, the i8 Concept can also be driven in fully electric zero-emissions mode for up to 35km. A full recharge of the battery from a standard power socket takes approximately 105 minutes.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The navigation system also calculates the best way to manage energy consumption for the trip to ensure that it operates at peak performance and optimal efficiency when required. Under the European driving cycle, the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept uses fuel at a rate of just 2.7 litres/100km combined, making it one of the most fuel efficient internal combustion engined automobiles in history.

A production version of the BMW i8 Concept is expected to go on sale in Australia in 2014 with a predicted price tag of $300,000.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept specifications:

# High performance 3-cylinder petrol engine (164 kW) in rear with i3's electric motor (limited to 96 kW) in front

# Total torque of 550 Nm (300Nm petrol engine + 250 Nm electric motor)

# 3 driving modes - electric, petrol, or both engines at once

# 1,480 kg

# 0-100kph (62mph): 4.6 seconds

# Top speed: 250kph (limited)

# 2.7 L/100km fuel economy

# 35km pure electric range

# 4 seater

# 50:50 distribution

# Market Launch: 2014

2012 Acura TL

Pricing (All Models)

TL                                                                                                                    $35,6051

TL SH-AWD                                                                                                   $39,155

TL with Technology Package                                                                $39,335

TL with Advance Package                                                                    $41,535

TL SH-AWD with Technology Package                                                           $42,885

TL SH-AWD 6-Speed Manual Transmission with Technology Package            $42,885

TL SH-AWD with Advance Package                                                   $45,085

 

 

 

Standard Feature Highlights

Engine:

280 horsepower, 3.5-liter, VTEC®, V-6

EPA Est. MPG38:

20 (city) / 29 (hwy)

Transmission:

6-speed automatic, Sequential SportShift paddle shifters

Seating:

Leather-trimmed sport seats

Climate Control:

Automatic, dual-zone, humidity control and air filtration

Audio:

276-watt, 6-disc changer, USB7 Audio Interface with iPod®8 integration, XM® Radio4, Dolby® Pro Logic® II, auxiliary input and 8 speakers

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

Wheels:

17-inch alloy wheels

Technology Package

Audio:

440-watt Acura/ELS Surround®32 Premium 10-speaker Sound System with HDD media storage, in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA6 and DTS® player, Dolby®5 Pro Logic® II, XM® Radio with Note function music reminder4 and Song By Voice™

Acura Navigation System10:

Rearview camera, Traffic Rerouting™, and Zagat Survey® ratings and reviews, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™13, Automated Appointments™

Voice Recognition System:

For navigation, audio, and climate control systems

Climate Control:

GPS-linked and solar-sensing10

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phonebook exchange

Seating:

Premium Leather-trimmed interior

Ignition:

Keyless Access System with push button start

Exterior:

Body-colored decklid spoiler

Advance Package

Seats:

6-level heated and ventilated front seats

Visibility:

Blind spot information system

Exterior:

18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels (FWD)19-inch, 5-split-spoke alloy wheels (SH-AWD)

TL SH-AWD Additional Features

Engine:

305-hp, 3.7-liter, V-6 engine with intake/exhaust VTEC®

EPA Est. MPG38:

AT: 18 (city) / 26 (hwy)

MT: 17 (city) / 25 (hwy)

Drivetrain:

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), choice of 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control, or 6-speed manual transmission with hill start assist

Exterior:

18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

The all-new BMW 650i Convertible fulfils the wishes of the most discerning automotive enthusiast as The Ultimate Driving Machine with groundbreaking luxury and crisp good looks. BMW has opened a new chapter in the tradition of open-top cars. The 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible will go on sale in the Spring of 2011 in the United States. Final pricing, options, and packages will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

With the BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept debuting at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show as its backdrop, BMW announced the production-ready 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible. In the premium convertible market, the 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible presents a convincing case with the most advanced chassis technology and most innovative comfort, infotainment and safety features.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

A sweeping hood, aft-set passenger compartment, long wheelbase and muscular profile embody the hallmark proportions of a BMW Convertible. The new 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible combines these features with a classic soft-top roof with flying buttress design. Powerfully contoured surfaces of its lines promise the anticipated BMW driving experience. The luxurious ambience of the interior is highlighted by a driver-oriented cockpit which wraps the front and rear passengers in a feeling of aesthetic security. Nowhere is the high-class functionality of the interior underlined more prominently than in the redesigned freestanding 10.2" Central Display of the standard iDrive control system.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

The 4.4-liter V-8 engine develops a maximum 400 hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm (preliminary). This unique "reverse-flow" engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it an energetic delight for the enthusiast driver. Instantaneous power and torque are the stand-out features of the V-8 engine available of the new 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible. The engine combines sporting character with outstanding smoothness, linear power delivery, and exceptional efficiency. The engine can be paired with either BMW's new 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW's traditional 6-speed manual transmission, quite popular with North American enthusiasts.

The 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the manual transmission (4.9 seconds with the 8-speed automatic), and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine also boasts extraordinary efficiency for a model in its output class. EPA figures will be available closer to the on-sale date in 2011.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

The 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission fitted to the new BMW 650i Convertible boasts a perfect combination of speed, flexibility, sportiness, and efficiency. Its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes set it apart. An innovative gear set configuration allows this transmission to offer eight gears, optimizing the sprinting power yet allowing the driver to save fuel by driving at low revs. Naturally, the driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

The new 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible is the first car in its class that can be equipped with Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle (available on the previous generation 6-Series Convertible) with a new, steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle's wheelbase, which fosters greater high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability for parking and city use.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

Like its predecessor, the new 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible is the only vehicle in its class with an optional Head-Up Display system. By projecting important information onto the windshield, directly in the driver's line of sight, the Head-Up Display minimizes distraction from the road and traffic. The new-generation system brings a further improvement in display quality: the symbols are projected as three-dimensional graphics and in ultra-clear resolution onto the windshield. Full-color capability makes the road sign symbols even more realistic. At the same time the Head-Up Display is now able to present a wider range of information. Depending on vehicle specification, guidance information supplied by the Navigation system, Check Control messages, status messages from the Lane Departure Warning System and warnings from the BMW Night Vision system can all be shown in the Head-Up Display. The positioning of the messages on the windshield is highly ergonomic, so that drivers are aware of them without having to refocus or take their eyes off the road.

2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible

The new 2012 BMW Sport Cars 650i Convertible is built at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany. Also rolling off the assembly line at the BMW Group's largest production plant are the BMW 7-Series and BMW 5-Series models. The flexible and efficient processes at the plant combine state-of-the-art production technology with a standard of quality defined by meticulous craftsmanship in the manufacture of premium cars configured to customer requirements.

Acura MDX 2011

Pricing

MDX                                                                                       $42,9301

MDX with Technology Package                                             $46,605

MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages              $48,505

MDX with Advance Package                                                  $52,555

MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages                   $54,455

 

 

 

Standard Feature Highlights

Engine:

300-hp, 3.7-liter, 24-valve, SOHC VTEC® V-6

EPA Est. MPG2:

16 (city) / 21 (hwy)

Transmission:

6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic with paddle shifters plus Grade Logic and Shift Hold Control

Drivetrain:

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)

Seating:

Sport seats with leather, 7-passenger seating

Climate control:

Automatic, tri-zone, humidity control and air filtration

Audio:

6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA6 changer, 8-speakers, MP3/auxiliary input jack, and XM® Radio4

Visibility:

Rearview mirror with rear view camera display

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

Access:

Remote-linked power-operated tailgate

Technology Package

Acura Navigation System10:

Acura Navigation System with Zagat Survey® restaurant reviews

Multi-view rear camera

AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™13 and Traffic Rerouting™

AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™13

Automated Appointments

Audio:

Acura/ELS Surround®32 410-watt Premium 10-speaker Sound System with hard disk drive (HDD) media storage, in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA6 and DTS® player, Dolby®5 Pro Logic® II, Bluetooth®11 Audio and AM/FM tuner

USB7 Audio Interface with iPod®8 Integration

Song By Voice™

Radio Data System (RDS)

Note function for XM

Voice Recognition System:

For navigation, audio, climate control and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® systems

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phonebook exchange

Interior:

Milano Premium Leather-trimmed interior

Advance Package

Includes Technology Package

Suspension:

Active Damper System sport suspension

Interior:

Perforated Milano Premium Leather -trimmed interior

Heated and ventilated front seats, Blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Safety:

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)

Exterior:

19-inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels

Auto-leveling headlights

Entertainment Package

Entertainment:

Acura DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch, power flip-down screen, separate audio, wireless headphones, wireless remote

Seating:

Dual-level heated 2nd-row outboard seats

Convenience:

Front center console 115-volt power outlet

Acura TSX 2011 sport wagon

Pricing

fact sheet (pdf)

ModelsCompare TSX Sport Wagon Models     Starting at1

TSX Sport Wagon        $30,960

TSX Sport Wagon with Technology Package  $34,610

 

Standard Feature Highlights

Engine:

201-hp, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC®, in-line 4

EPA Est. MPG2:

22 (city) / 30 (hwy)

Transmission:

5-spd. Sequential SportShift automatic

Seating:

Perforated leather-trimmed sport seats

Climate control:

Automatic, dual-zone, humidity control and air filtration

Audio:

360-watt audio with USB7 Audio Interface & iPod®8 integration, with 7 speakers

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth®11 HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface

Technology Package

Audio:

Acura/ELS Surround®32 460-watt Premium 10-speaker Sound System with 15-gigabyte hard disk drive memory (HDD) media storage, in-dash CD, DVD-Audio, MP3, WMA6 and DTS® player, Dolby®5 Pro Logic® II, Bluetooth®11 Audio and AM/FM tuner

USB7 Audio Interface with iPod®8 integration

Song By Voice™

XM® Radio with Note function music reminder

Acura Navigation System10:

Rearview camera, available Traffic Rerouting™, and Zagat Survey® restaurant reviews & ratings, available AcuraLink® Real-Time Traffic and Weather™13, Automated Appointments™

Voice Recognition System:

For navigation audio and climate control systems

Climate Control:

GPS-linked and solar-sensing10

Cellular Interface:

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phonebook exchange

Access:

Remote-linked power-operated tailgate

Specification:

Wheelbase, in (mm) Overall length, in (mm) Overall width, in (mm) Front track, in (mm) Rear track, in (mm)        Height (unladen), in (mm) Ground clearance (unladen), in (mm) Curb Weight, lb (kg) Weight distribution (% front / rear) EPA Passenger Volume, cu ft Cargo Volume, cu ft 2nd row seatbacks up 2nd row seatbacks down Headroom, in (mm) Front Rear Legroom, in (mm) Front Rear Hiproom, in (mm) Front Rear Shoulder room, in (mm) Front Rear Fuel tank capacity, U.S. gallons (liters) Maximum Seating Capacity

106.4 (2705) 189.2 (4805) 72.4 (1840) 62.2 (1580) 62.2 (1580) 57.9 (1470) 5.9 (150) 3599 (1633) – 3623 (1644) 57 / 43 94.4 25.8 60.5 37.6 (955): Front 36.9 (938): Rear 42.4 (1078): Front 34.3 (872): Rear 55.6 (1411): Front 54.2 (1377): Rear 57.8 (1468): Front 56.1 (1426): Rear 18.5 (70) 5

BMW M3 E46 CSL- The Best Performance Car BMW Has Ever Built?

Could the E46 M3 CSL be the best car to come out of BMW M division? And can BMW build another one just as good?

CSL stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight”, a moniker first given to the legendary race winning BMW 3.0 CSL. First appearing in 1972, the 3.0CSL homologation special model was very successful in racing, especially in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, thus securing BMW’s position amongst motorsport giants.

The first BMW M3 CSL appeared in 2003 and wowed enthusiasts all around the world with its use of racing technologies applied to a street car. Among these technologies was a modified version of the usual 3,246-cc S54 inline-six that lacks a conventional mass airflow meter. Instead, intake air is calculated directly by the DME, making for a much quicker engine response. Further changes include modified camshafts and exhaust valves, plus a lightweight exhaust system constructed of thinner steel. The CSL-spec engine is rated at 360 hp at 7,900 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.

 

The E46 M3 CSL is most notably distinguished from the standard E46 M3 by its various lightweight components. The signature differentiation is the Carbon Fiber reinforced roof panel (GFP) which weighs 13 pounds less than the conventional roof. The front bumper support is also constructed of GFP, as well as the unique “Single Air inlet” front bumper. At the rear, the lower rear valance is made of GFP, while the reshaped trunk lid is made of SMC (sheet molding compound). Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is used for the rear bumper supports and this material is also “sandwiched” with thermoplastics and foam to create the trunk floor and rear bulkhead. As a final weight-saving measure, the rear window glass is extra thin. BMW claimed that the M3 CSL weighed 3,054 pounds, or roughly 10 percent less than the normal model.

The M3 CSL is equipped exclusively with the SMG II transmission featuring a special launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration. This is mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M locking differential. Also, the DSC system of the M3 CSL can be switched to an exclusive M Track Mode via the steering wheel-mounted button. This raises the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of sideways fun.

The suspension of the M3 CSL is based on that of the standard E46 M3. However, it does incorporate a number of changes: shorter stiffer springs and shocks with different rates (for both rebound and compression), plus larger anti-roll bars in the front (30.8 mm) and rear (22.5 mm). In addition, the normal aluminum front control arms (shared with the standard E46 M3) are joined by aluminum rear suspension links with stiffer ball bushings. Rounding out the chassis upgrades is a quicker ratio steering rack (overall ratio: 14.5:1) and larger 13.7-inch cross-drilled front brake rotors. Finally, the M3 CSL rides on lightweight cross-spoke alloy wheels measuring 8.5×19-inches in front (0.5 inches wider than the normal M3) and 9.5×19-inches in the rear. These are shod with special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires sized 235/35ZR19 (front) and 265/30ZR19 (rear).

Conventional tires mounted to the 19-inch forged M Double Spoke II wheels from the standard E46 M3 were also offered as a no-cost alternative.

Serving the lightweight purpose of the M3 CSL, the interior could be specified without climate control or a radio. However, both were made available at no additional cost.

A total of 1,358 CSLs were produced for European track junkies between June and December of 2003, in both left-hand drive (823 built) and right-hand drive (535 built).

With more and more BMW vehicles “gaining weight” as new generations come to market, could BMW  build another street car like the iconic M3 CSL? Well, at a smaller and exclusive scale, they recently have built an unique M3. The new E92 M3 GTS is a spiritual successor to the E46 M3 CSL.

Although the M3 GTS is slightly quicker in a straight line than the E46 CSL, the lap times around the Nurburgring are surprisingly close. According to FastLaps.com, the 450 hp GTS is faster than the 360 hp CSL by a mere 2 seconds. 7:50 vs 7:48.

What the E46 M3 CSL lacks in horsepower over the M3 GTS, it makes up for in sheer driving feel and balance. Some consider the E46 chassis to have been the best BMW has ever built, making the CSL one of the best performance BMW ever.

Let’s round up some other opinions from BMWBLOG team members:

Andrew Murphy – Editor

It’s BMW at its best.

The M3 CSL is just an honest, straightforward performance BMW. The CSL managed to combine many of the most identifiable traits of a BMW of the period into a single package. Naturally aspirated 3.2L inline-6, light weight materials, and hardcore near-slick tires wrapped around 19 inch wheels. The M3 CSL managed to deliver more performance than the standard E46 M3 at a still-reasonable price point.

The result of Garching’s hard work? A car that is worth much more than the sum of its parts. The CSL was the remind of BMW’s original roots – a sports sedan that car usher you around in style or a competent, wonderfully balanced track monster.

Misha Nikolich - Contributor

To me, the E46 CSL is the epitome of BMW M engineering and driving dynamics. It combines the roots of M’s early sports coupes like the E30 M3 with modern technology and lightweight materials. Result – a precise, no frills, pure motorsports inspired machine that touched the soul of those gearheads who crave pure driving nirvana.