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Added on the 16/06/2021 08:14:48 - Copyright : Auto Moto EN
The BMW Group is beginning to test near-standard vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell drive train in everyday conditions on European roads. Prototypes of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT will examine how effectively the CO2-free drive train, model-specific chassis technology and vehicle electronics systems work together under real-life conditions. The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT is a pure electric vehicle that uses hydrogen as fuel by converting it into electricity in a fuel cell. The recently launched testing programme will pave the way for the BMW Group to present a small-series model with this sustainable drive technology, developed on the basis of the BMW X5, in late 2022. Extensive field testing of these vehicles will provide practical experience in the use of this sustainable drive technology.Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the long-term potential to supplement internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and battery-electric vehicles within the BMW Group’s flexible drive train strategy. It could become an attractive alternative to battery-electric drive trains – especially for customers who do not have their own access to electric charging infrastructure or who frequently drive long distances.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is currently undergoing a demanding programme of testing in extremely challenging weather conditions. It is all part of final winter testing for the car on public roads and at the BMW Group’s testing centre in Arjeplog, northern Sweden. The integrated functional testing and validation of the fuel cell system, hydrogen tanks, peak power battery and central vehicle control unit have confirmed that this additional CO2-free mobility option can also be relied on to provide sustainable driving pleasure with high levels of comfort and unrestricted performance in extreme sub-zero temperatures.The tests close to the Arctic Circle see the BMW Group pressing ahead with its development process for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. The company will produce a small series of the model later in the year and is also committed to helping expand the network of hydrogen fuelling stations.
As the most powerful, dynamic and best-selling special protection vehicle of its kind in the world, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 also plays a special role in the brand's model range. Its design is almost indistinguishable from that of the standard model, giving it a discreet appearance with a sporty touch. Its integrated protective equipment was already taken into account during the series development of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This includes body armour and safety glass, which are specially designed for each model. As a result, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 also meets the requirements of the Association of Test Centres for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM) with regard to bullet and blast resistance.The chassis technology of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is precisely tuned to its high engine output and individual weight balance. It is equipped as standard with the Adaptive M Chassis Professional, which, in addition to the M Sport Differential, includes an integrated active steering system and active roll stabilisation. Its 390 kW/530 hp V8 engine delivers outstanding dynamics, while the standard sport brake system ensures consistently high stopping power, even under intensive use.
In the depths of a hidden garage behind a wind tunnel facility in Allen Park, Michigan, a team met after hours in 2021 for a new mission that, on paper, seemed like a pipe dream: to design a Mustang to face the best European sports cars.The result is a limited edition high-performance, road-legal vehicle with the soul of a Mustang.Today we're introducing the all-new 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, a technological tour de force inspired by the Mustang GT3 that will compete at Le Mans next year. Proud of its heritage, and packed with incredible performance, its sculpted carbon fiber bodywork and imposing rear wing say it all just by looking at it. This Mustang is like no other.
The new BMW 5 Series, including the all-new fully-electric BMW i5, celebrated the official start of production today at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, in the presence of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder. The site in Lower Bavaria, which is celebrating 50 years of BMW automotive production in 2023, has now ramped up its third fully-electric model in two years, following the BMW iX and BMW i7. Pure battery-electric vehicles’ share of total production at the BMW Group’s largest European manufacturing location is projected to increase to over 40 percent next year.To achieve this, the BMW Group is relying on flexible architectures and offering most of its models to customers around the world with different drive train variants. The BMW 5 Series – like the BMW 7 Series and BMW X1 before it – will be available with a fully-electric drive train or internal combustion engine, or as a plug-in hybrid. This requires a high degree of flexibility, but allows the company to utilise its plants’ capacity efficiently and adjust its offering to customer demand. Nedeljković: “We are following the market. Customer requirements determine what the actual drive train mix looks like.” This has been made possible by extensive investments in the production network. The BMW Group has invested more than one billion euros in integrating the BMW iX, BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series at the Dingolfing vehicle plant.
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