Range extenders can extend the driving range for an electric vehicle ...

innovation
One of the highlights at the 2010 Geneva Show was the
world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.
The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provided the setting for
the European debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE. Based on the
BMW 1 Series Coupé, this concept car comes with all-electric
drive and innovative electric storage technology optimising both
the range the car is able to cover as well as its supreme standard
of functionality. The BMW Concept ActiveE thus combines
emission-free motoring with four seats and luggage capacity of
approximately 200 litres.
Automotive Industries (AI) asked Klaus Draeger, Member of
the Board of Management of BMW, Research and Development
what the customer could expect from the new 5 Series sedan.
Draeger: The BMW 5 Series is the perfect balance between
design and technology. The design is beautiful but there is no
compromise with the technology. The outside appearance is a
typical BMW – sporty, elegant, and athletic. On the technical side, we
have increased interior size with more space for the customer, new
suspension which makes the BMW 5 Series more agile and provides
better comfort. The car has more features which have only been
available in the past for upper class vehicles like the 7 Series. At the
same time we were able to reduce fuel consumption of all the models.
In comparison to the old 5 Series V8, the engine of the new 535i
has the same horse power but better performance due to increased
Leading the pack
in Geneva - BMW’s
Klaus Draeger By:
Nick Palmen in Geneva
torque, lower CO2 emission and 1.3 liters less fuel consumption per
100 km. The perfect example is the BMW 520d that we presented this
morning, where we have a BMW 5 Series with consumption of only 5
liters of diesel per 100 kilometres. For a vehicle with a performance of
185 horse power this is an excellent value.
AI: What innovations can be seen in the model?
Draeger: We have a couple of interesting items on the
chassis side, there is Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering
which is something new for the 5 Series. Damping control is
available, which gives the possibility to have different suspension
settings for the vehicle. Then we have a variety of new engines
with the most famous 535i straight six-cylinder twin power turbo
with variable valve train, with extremely good emissions on one
side, and a perfect response and acceleration on the other.
With BMW Connected Drive we have internet in the vehicle with
advanced office functionalities. In addition, the interior is superbly
handcrafted, giving high position to the driver.
AI: How do you manage the weight issue in the new 5
Series and how do you meet the challenges due to the
new regulations?
Draeger: Weight is always an issue. We had to deal with a
couple of new regulations in terms of crash testing and pedestrian
safety. These measures account for almost 70 Kg. We have
aluminium doors and aluminium components in the front structure
Dr Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW, Development speaking at the new 5 Series launch.
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