BMW to Make 'Thermoelectric Generator' in 5 Years
January 5, 2009
BMW is currently developing a “thermoelectric generator” that is deemed to have higher fuel savings figures and lower emission levels compared to its current Efficient Dynamics technologies, according to Klaus Draeger, head of development for BMW.
The generator was first intended for use in space satellites. Power is generated by a radioactive material, which, when heated, produces electricity. BMW pegs fuel savings at around 5 percent, higher than the 3 percent for the current stop-start and brake energy regeneration technologies BMW employs.
This is because of the generator is built around the exhaust, and the heat there can be used to make the material generate electricity. With current set-ups, a considerable chunk of waste energy goes through the exhaust. The motivation is to utilize this energy and make it contribute to powering the vehicle.
Draeger further announced that production could start in as early as 5 years. This is in conjunction with BMW’s planned electric car dubbed Project I, which should see release sometime in the next decade’s first half.
Interesting, isn’t it? I never thought you could use the words ‘radioactive’ and ‘eco-friendly’ in the same breath. This “thermoelectric generator” certainly lets us do so.
Source: Autocar
BMW F3 – Crossover Spied?
May 20, 2008
The BMW F3 the German car makers new crossover, has been spotted? We’re not exactly sure as it simply a E91 with a higher suspension. And the last time we saw a 3 series jacked up in the air we heard it was an X3 powertrain mule. And we’re also hearing people calling this the X1. Whatever it is, here are the pictures.
BMW M5 – Twin Turbo
May 9, 2008
The worlds most infamous “Uber-Sedan”, the BMW M5, may be seeing a very untraditional upgrade in its next generation in the form of a lovely set of twins… two turbo-chargers. Sources speaking to Autocar download best man the movie believe the M5 due out in 2010 will feature not only two turbo-chargers, but also a displacement increase to 5.5 liters from 5.0. This changes will result in an increase of “at least” 50hp. Many of these changes are focused to improve emissions as a new start-stop technology while the [Read more]
G-Power-tuned BMW Z4 Roadster
May 30, 1999
The recently-released 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster hasn’t even warmed up to dealerships, but tuner G-Power has already come up with newly-developed modifications for the car and should add it to an impressive line of modded BMWs–some of which already have top-speed records.
The first of the G-Power Z4 Roadster mods is the ‘Bi-Tronik’ ECU upgrade that can be applied to the range-topper, the sDrive35i model. With the ECU tweaks, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine now goes up to 345 horsepower from 306 horsepower, and from 295 lb.-ft. of torque to 354 lb.-ft. of torque. The upgrade also includes a Deeptone stainless steel muffler for an enhanced sound.
A set of 20-inch alloy wheels also come with the mod, as does a coil-over suspension kit that is fully-adjustable and offers nine different settings. All these mods bumps 0-100kph speed of the Z4 to a mere 4.7 seconds.
The standard Z4 Roadster is still making its way to dealerships and showrooms, and by the time the dust settles, expect at least another mod package from G-Power.
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