Wednesday, February 29, 2012

BMW i3 Electric Idea Sedan – 2013

BMW has finally given us our first authorized, unconcealed look at its advanced, all-electric city car. For now the i3 is tranquil labeled an idea, but this car is greatly added complete than the Megacity concept that preceded it. The four-passenger i3 concept is possibly the most advanced take on electric cars yet, and draws on BMW's familiarity with a fleet of 600 Mini E and 1000 BMW Energetic electric cars.

BMW i3 Electric Car

The i3 is built around a new skeleton concept called Life Drive, which divides the vehicle into sections for Life, the passenger section, and Drive, the power train and battery. For the i3, the bottom half of the car is the Drive section, and is completed typically of lightweight aluminum; the Life passenger section sits on top and is built since Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Employing this lightweight equipment keeps the i3's weight along to just 2750 pounds.

BMW says that CFRP is as muscular as but 50 percent lighter than steel. Better yet, it never rusts and supposedly offers better security than steel in a crash. CFRP only forms the Life sections shell, however, as expendable plastic panels form the i3's true framework. The i3's electric motor was developed by BMW because the company required fixed control over the feel and performance of its power trains. It is rated at 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and has single-speed diffusion.

BMW i3 Electric Car

The motor is feed by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted below the floor of the passenger section. This means there is no interruption or diffusion subway in the cabin, and also helps keep the i3's center of gravity low for better behavior and strength.

Though the highest range per charge is rated at 140 miles, BMW admits real-world i3 mileage will be between 80 and 100 miles. Statistics from the Mini E trials trained BMW that a battery range of 74 to 93 miles would gratify 90 percent of all drivers. The i3 concept can reach 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, and its top speed is partial to 93 mph because BMW says superior velocities would drain the battery too speedily.

A full charge is said to take just six hours via a typical European passage, while an optional fast-charger succumb an 80-percent charge in just one hour. Charge times on American 120-volt outlets will expected is longer.


Friday, February 3, 2012

Exposed: 2012 Bentley Continental GTC



The masses presence the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show witnessed the presentation of the new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC. This second-generation model takes the magnificence found in the first GTC and sprinkles in a strong dose of sportiness.

The latest Continental GTC’s power plant is a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine producing 567 bhp at 6000 rpm and 516 lb.-ft. of torque at a humble 1700 rpm. A new 6-speed automatic ZF diffusion prepared with Quick shift helps cut shift times by up to 50 percent and enables orchestrated downshifts. Continental GTC is said to drag from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and from 0-100 mph in 10.9 sec.

Boasting wider front and rear tracks, grippy 275/40ZR-20 Pirelli P Zero tires, sharper navigation, a retuned double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multilink rear suspension and a rear-biased awd system splitting power 40/60 front/rear, the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC promises less under steer and an exciting driving experience. EPA fuel economy figures for the new GTC have it burning 11 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the main road, amazingly decent considering its boosted 12-cylinder transportation close to 3 tons.

In the cabin, a neck radiator system makes top-down driving contented during evenings and cooler weather. Slim and sympathetic “Cobra Style” front seats provide additional comfort, while also providing more freedom and easier access for the rear. Premium soft-touch leather adorns the cockpit and comes existing in 17 colors with six split color combinations and a choice of seven veneers. The GTC’s tailored multi-layered cloth roof, auditory glass and insulated underbody panel provide optimal sound insulation, perfect for the new touch screen 30-GB infotainment system prepared with the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers. The infotainment system introduces highly developed satellite navigation with Google Maps compatibility and dynamic direction guidance.