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BMW 5 Series drives autonomous driving test hits the Autobahn
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation
A few weeks ago we reported on autonomous driving as a feature in the Toyota Fun-Vii, but it looks like BMW might have beat Toyota to the punch line.
Last year BMW scored 2-minute laps at Luguna Seca with the click of a button. This year BMW is back with new and improved technologies. When BMW hot lapped their 3 series at Luguna, they relied on radars and cameras to get the car to do what they wanted it to do. That wasn’t good enough for BMW, so they pushed the enveloped to have an autonomously-run car on the Autobahn, a road that has no speed limit. In order to execute this feat, BMW relied on ultrasonic scanners and lasers to read the road, traffic, and lanes. The system executes the necessary tasks and keeps with the flow of traffic. You can see the 5 series in action after the jump!
Though it is too early to see if this system will make it into production anytime soon, the technology is something manufactures have been dreaming of since the 50s. For now, BMW will be equipping some vehicles with a new Traffic Jam Assist system, aimed at helping you deal with traffic more efficiently.
Click to continue reading BMW 5 Series drives autonomous driving test hits the Autobahn
Read More 
| Autoblog
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Mercedes-Benz B-Class plug-in hybrid set for U.S. debut soon
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation
The U.S. segment for luxury automobiles is a cutthroat marketplace. The top two players, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are in a constant battle for supremacy. Last year BMW led in sales by 2,715 vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz obviously hopes to take the lead. However, the road to success is that of trial-and-error. Mercedes-Benz plans on introducing a B-Class into its current line-up of vehicles for the States. The B-Class would be a plug-in hybrid aimed towards the U.S. buyer, says Joachim Schmidt, head of global sales for Mercedes-Benz.
Along with the B-Class, Mercedes-Benz plans on extending its hybrid line-up along with adding smaller class of vehicles—the A-Class. Though these are solid moves in attempting to overthrow BMW’s lead, only time, along with sales, will tell if Mercedes-Benz succeeds.
Read More | Autoblog
BMW looking to use smart fabric to bring deep user customization to cars
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation
As automotive technology is advancing, things that we found novel are becoming a thing of the past. Remember when the first iPhone came out? People flocked to the phone like moths to a light initially. Now, iPhones are about as common as shoes, having lost their novel appeal.
Now apply the same analogy to automobiles. When automakers incorporated navigation systems into vehicles, everyone wanted one. Heck, even hip hop artists were rapping about it in their music. So the question remains to ask is ‘What technology will excite the new car buyer?’ BMW may have found the answer for the next big thing. Smart fabric is what they’re conceptually attempting to bring into cars. Not familiar with smart fabric? Let's break it down after the jump.
Click to continue reading BMW looking to use smart fabric to bring deep user customization to cars
Read More | Autoblog
Top 10 technologies that will change the automotive game
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation
The internal combustion engine saved the horse in the 1900s, and hybrid cars were supposed to save the automobile in the 2000s (nice try, Prius.) Now there’s a new savior in town--well, actually, there are a few.
Though the hybrid was a great start, it was only a gateway drug of an idea for gear-heads everywhere. We’ve all walked out into our driveway ready to get doing, only to stumble upon a flat tire. You can kiss that problem goodbye thanks to Goodyear. Thinking that your engine isn’t as efficient as it should be? You’re probably right, but technology mirroring NASA will solve that worry for you. Oh, and forget about getting a bigger motor, because you should instead be focusing on the 1-liter powerhouses. As technology improves, our automotive life will too. To get the full story, click on through to get a look at Car and Driver's 10 Most Promising Auto Technologies of the Future.
BMW announced ActivE, their all-electric coupe
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Transportation
BMW has announced that it plans to lease 700 demo units of its first completely electric vehicle, the BMW ActivE. They'll start the trial this fall in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, and parts of Connecticut, the company said in a statement. Consumers will have to pay $499 a month for a 24-month lease, plus a down payment of $2,250. Reservations start at the end of this summer.
"Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the BMW ActiveE will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under nine seconds, making it the first electric vehicle to combine the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW with the zero-emissions benefits of driving an electric vehicle," BMW said in a press release.
When fully powered, the car's lithium-ion batteries last around 100 miles. The batteries also feature heating and cooling and can pre-condition your car to maximize power during various weather conditions.
Furthermore the dashboard features a set of instruments that track the amount of energy being consumed. Instead of a tachometer, for instance, you'll find indicators for battery consumption and charge time. And because the car is apparently very quiet, BMW has also installed a needle to let you know when a car at standstill is ready to drive again.
Click to continue reading BMW announced ActivE, their all-electric coupe
BMW DriveNow service improves upon ZipCar in every way
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Transportation, Videos
We've gotta hand it to BMW for launching the innovative DriveNow service in its hometown of Munich. If you thought ZipCar was good, wait til you hear about how DriveNow works. Check it:
- The biggest feature is convenience. You pick up the car, and when you are done, you can leave it anywhere. No need to bring it back to a designated parking lot or garage. Just park it anywhere you find a spot, and you are done. An iPhone app tells you where the nearest available car is.
- You sign up for the service and get a sticker that goes on your drivers license. That sticker becomes the key that unlocks the car, so you don't need anything extra to carry with you.
- Gas usage is included in the price
- Parking is free in within city limits
As we said, the service has launched in Munich with a fleet of 300 BMW and Mini Cooper vehicles, and we assume that if DriveNow is found to be successful, BMW will roll it out elsewhere.
BMW Introduces Motosport Z4 GT3
Posted by Finnian Durkan Categories: Transportation
For those of you with a spare $410,000 laying around your apartment—hidden in your toilet’s water tank or in the base of your wooden-spool coffee table, perhaps—today is your lucky day! BMW has introduced the new Motosport Z4 GT3, and it delivers more than its share of German engineering and lack of emotion. Impress your friends with your ability to not settle for second best AND to pay through the nose for it! You, sir, are man amongst boys! A man, simply, who craves a Miata-sized car with which to project all of his emotional and physical self-worth. ‘Affliction’ t-shirt not included.
BMW/Thermaltake Level 10 Gaming Tower
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News
Thermaltake contracted BMW DesignWorksUSA, a subsidiary of the German auto company, to co-create a new game system concept. Components are placed on the outside of the “Level 10” to remain cool and are enclosed in their own protective cases for interchangeability. The team calls the design a “strong architectural statement.” The gaming tower also features a smart lock system with a USB memory key that activates the system as well as keeping personal data secure.
Read More | Autoblog
BMW Mini Liquid Assets
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Games, Videos, Free Apps
Mini Financial Services has launched a new iPhone and iPod touch game dubbed MINI Liquid Assets. This is based on the retro water-filled handheld games where you pushed a button to get one object to hit another. Based on an exhibit originally designed for dealers, you shoot nickels into the Mini-Es to keep more assets while in the liquid. (We are guessing that they paid big bucks to develop the clever play on words.) The download is free at the iTunes App Store, but as this is also a commercial, the main menu has a link to your nearest BMW Mini dealer.
Read More | MINI Liquid Assets
NAIAS 2008: More Images
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation
Okay, so we didn’t get all the facts and figures and stats of the major three players in the NAIAS, although they did get a major portion of the showroom floor. What we did get was a peek at some of the cars we could only covet, including this Alfa Romeo, the most expensive vehicle at the show at a cool million. After the jump, a few of the other sights we appreciated.
Click to continue reading NAIAS 2008: More Images
Read More | NAIAS 2008
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