Month: July 2014
The BMW i8 is the second model to be launched from BMW i. It is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the BMW Group and the world’s most forward-looking sports car. The revolutionary interpretation of BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure and groundbreaking premium character is clearly defined in terms of sustainability.
Design
Being a 2+2-seater with LifeDrive the architecture has been developed specifically for BMW i, with its aerodynamically groundbreaking body design and visionary interior design which delivers an intense driving experience. Along with the Life module passenger cell being made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, its sports drive system technology, high-voltage battery, chassis, and crash and structural functions integrate into the aluminium Drive module. And with a very low centre of gravity it gives the vehicle a well-balanced weight distribution.
The emotion-led visual impression based around established BMW i design language consists of classical sports car proportions and fresh interpretation of BMW design features; doors open upwards like wings; clean lines, plus surface design (external and internal) based on the layering principle; full-LED headlights as standard, innovative laser headlights – unique worldwide – available as an option.
With its sophisticated chassis technology featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle the BMW i8 also has Electric Power Steering; Dynamic Damper Control which comes as standard along with 20-inch light-alloy wheels. (Carbon wheels are optional)
The Intelligent lightweight construction consists of elements such as a carbon –fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, doors with a CFRP-aluminium structure, an instrument panel with magnesium support, an aluminium chassis and a partition between the passenger compartment and boot made from thin glass; comprehensive safety concept and an ultra-torsionally stiff passenger cell.
Development
The Plug-in hybrid system developed and produced by the BMW Group represents the latest development stage of EfficientDynamics; debut for three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox via a model-specific hybrid synchronous electric motor, power channelled through the front wheels via a two-stage automatic transmission; lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling and usable capacity of 5 kWh.
Technology
A combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technology plus intelligent energy management produce system output of 266 kW/362 hp (max. torque: 570 Nm / 420 lb-ft) gives the BMW i8 the performance characteristics of a pure-bred sports car combined with fuel economy and emissions figures more familiar from a small car (EU fuel consumption: 2.5 litres per 100 km / 113 mpg imp); “glued-to-the-road” AWD driving experience with torque distribution geared towards optimised dynamics.
The Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow driver to choose from four driving modes:
COMFORT – offers optimum balance between dynamics and efficiency; combined range in everyday conditions.
SPORT – with ultra-intense boost function provided by the electric motor;
ECO PRO – can be used in both all-electric mode and hybrid mode.
EMODE – available in comfort n eco pro modes, makes the car fully electric with a range of 22miles.
Extensive standard equipment includes the Professional Navigation system with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display, leather sports seats and a choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants.
The BMW i8 offers a wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive features: Park Distance Control, cruise control system with braking function, rain sensor and Intelligent Emergency Call function as standard. Optional driver assistance package with High Beam Assistant, a rear view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition as well as the braking function; also available are the Head-Up Display, BMW Online Entertainment, Concierge Services, Real Time Traffic Information and mobility services developed specifically for BMW i, e.g. intermodal route guidance.
Charging
These services have been specifically developed for BMW i as part of the 360° ELECTRIC programme. The BMW i Wallbox which can be installed for convenient battery charging at home, ChargeNow card giving customers a cash-free payment option at public charging stations and innovative mobility services such as MyCityWay and ParkatmyHouse.
The all-embracing sustainability concept running like a thread through the value chain; carbon fibre production and vehicle assembly using 100-per cent renewable electricity; high proportion of recycled materials.
For more information please contact BMW i Genius, Ben Cornwell, on 01772 769976 or complete the enquiry form at the side of the page and Ben will call you back.
Bowker BMW in Blackburn has confirmed its highest-ever first quarter turnover in history.
Over 500 cars were sold from the motor group’s BMW, MINI and Car Centre dealerships on Trident Park off Whitebirk Drive in Blackburn in the first three months of the year – with 300 cars sold in March alone.
The total turnover for January, February and March in 2014 exceeded £16 million.
Managing director Chris Eccles said,
“The team at Blackburn have performed exceptionally well. The figures mean we have a firm foundation not just to succeed for the rest of the year but to allow further investment in people, training and our facility.
“What gives me the greatest of pleasure is the fact that our busiest trading period in our history been achieved with exceptional levels of customer service. Whilst only 10% of the UK dealer network have reached 20 star status; Bowker Blackburn has achieved 20 Star status again – that’s every year since the launch of the star rating programme.”
Last month, Bowker MINI employee Daniel Gibson won the coveted title of National MINI New Car Business Manager for the Year at a glittering ceremony in London. More than 200 other UK business managers were considered, but Daniel’s results for customer satisfaction and retention ranked him higher than the competition.
Daniel’s success came in the month that Bowker Motor Group were also finalists in the ‘Best Retail Group’ category and Bowker Blackburn finalists in ‘Excellence in Aftersales’ at the 2014 Automotive Management Awards.
Bowker Blackburn was a finalist in ‘Accessorisor’ and Bowker Group in ‘Marketing Guru’ at the 2014 MINI Oscars.
Phil Curwen of Bowker Blackburn Car Centre has challenged himself with running the Paris Marathon followed by the London Marathon the following weekend. Being a keen runner Phil has run the London and Paris marathons previously but never imagined he would be competing in both in the same week at the age of 63. “I have struggled to get a place in the London Marathon over the past few years so have competed in Paris instead, this year I applied for both and have been lucky enough to be accepted for both!” explained Phil. “My theory is if I’m fit enough for the first one and don’t get any injuries I can do the second one. I am aiming to finish in less than 5 hours for each race whilst collecting vital funds for the Samaritan centre in Preston.”
Volunteering as a Samaritan for more than 20 years, Phil understands how important donations are to keep the centres running. “We need roughly £1,000 a week to run the centre and we rely solely on donations as we don’t get any sponsorship. I would love everybody I know to donate a couple of pounds, sadly people usually think they have to give a large donation but you don’t need to, every pound really does count and quickly adds up.”
If you would like to donate to support Phil through the average 800,000 steps he needs to complete each marathon please visit his just giving page at www.justgiving.com/philip-curwen1