The BMW Z4 GT3, which was officially launched and completed its first test drives at the start of March,it is already enjoying great popularity among BMW Motorsport customers. The first cars have been delivered to private BMW teams, who will prepare them for use in various national and international championships.
"The feedback on the BMW Z4 GT3 is extremely positive," says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "This sports car rounds off our product range, and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in championships in accordance with the GT3 regulations - such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, the International GT Open or the ADAC GT Masters - as well as at 24-hour endurance races." In addition, the BMW M3 GT2, the BMW 320si WTCC, which complies with Super2000 regulations, and the close-to-production BMW M3 GT4 are also available to customer teams from all over the world at BMW Motorsport Distribution.
The production model of the BMW Z4 is already impressive: with its elongated bonnet, flared wheel arches, long wheel base and narrow projections, the car boasts an unmistakable appearance. The two-seater provided BMW Motorsport engineers with a good basis for developing a close-to-production GT3 racing car.
The largest difference between production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine similar to the unit used in the BMW M3 GT2. This powerful heart produces over 480 bhp. Its excellent performance characteristics and good torque curve make the base engine from the production version of the BMW M3 predestined for use in motorsport.
The fitting of the V8 engine had a considerable influence on the development of the BMW Z4 GT3. Initially, design-space examinations were performed using CATIA V5 design software, in order to place the engine in the ideal position and meet racing specifications. The engineers then added all the other components.
When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions, which have already been tried and tested on the BMW M3 GT2: the modern ECU408 takes over the engine management, while the Power400 electronic control unit is responsible for controlling all the actuators. The power is transmitted through a six-speed, sequential gearbox with "Quick Shift" function.
Rims with central locking and safety clip are also included in delivery. In addition, the BMW Z4 GT3 also offers driver assistance systems such as racing ABS and traction control, which have been adopted from other cars in the customer racing range, and then further developed and modified for use in the GT3 car.
The front axle of the BMW Z4 GT3 is a completely new design, based on a series concept. It is equipped with a tubular stabiliser bar with adjustable blades. The rear axle is designed as a longitudinal link axle, as with the series version of the BMW Z4. The steel body of the car comes from the BMW Plant in Regensburg. A safety cell made of extremely rigid, precision steel tubing is then welded into the body. The engine block of the V8 engine is produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut. The BMW Plant in Dingolfing contributes the rear axle differential and drive shaft, among other things.
During the development, BMW Motorsport engineers worked hand in hand in other areas with their colleagues from series production. This allowed them to access calculations from the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) when designing the car's aerodynamics. Furthermore, tests were also carried out in the wind tunnel and on the BMW Group's test benches.
Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fender and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP). Using this lightweight, torsion-resistant material contributed significantly to reducing the weight of the BMW Z4 GT3 to 1,200 kilograms.
As with all cars in the BMW customer racing range, the emphasis was also put on cost-efficiency when developing the BMW Z4 GT3. As a result, the car offers a very good cost/performance ratio and gives private teams the opportunity to participate in affordable motorsport at the highest level.
The BMW Z4 GT3 is available as a racing car at a cost of 298,000 Euros (plus VAT).
2011 BMW X5 will write the latest chapter in the story of the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle. Originally launched for the 2000 model year in late 1999, the BMW X5 permanently changed the automotive landscape. It proved that the driving dynamics, responsiveness, and linear control signature to every BMW could be compatible with utility, versatility, and other-roads capability. For 2011, the BMW X5 models are enhanced with new powertrains and updated design. The new BMW X5 will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show.
Innovative new design elements and powertrains are the result of over 4,000 new parts created by BMW designers and engineers for the 2011 BMW X5. Two of the X5's powertrains will be all-new for 2011, creating the new BMW X5 xDrive50i and BMW X5 xDrive35i, in addition to the familiar BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive35d. All models receive a design update that enhances the brilliant focus and aesthetic appearance of the X5 brand.
Fresh Design. Well-Balanced Proportions.
The body design of the 2011 BMW X5 is characterized by well-balanced proportions that accentuate the vehicle's powerful presence and agility. A long wheelbase, short front and rear body overhangs, and large light-alloy wheels provide a visual balance between the front and rear of the vehicle. Square-shaped, carefully flared wheel arches hint at the BMW X5's all-wheel drive traction and other-roads capability. The body lines sweep upwards from the front and rear wheels, communicating BMW's near-perfect 50-50 front-rear weight distribution which is so essential to the BMW X5's legendary driving dynamic.
The sides of the BMW X5 are elegantly stretched though the strong horizontal lines of each side. The surface of the hood flows seamlessly into the waiseline, while the prominent, gently inclined contour line at the door handle level extends from the front wheel arches to the rear of the vehicle. These character lines symbolize power, stability, and presence.
With its distinctively contoured hood, large BMW kidney grille and dual round headlights, the new BMW X5 boasts an expressive front end that symbolizes power and presence. The newest interpretation of the BMW X5's look is led by the redesign of the front fascia and position of the standard foglamps. Due to an increase in the number of elements painted body color, the front end gives the impression of being lower. At the same time, the increased size of both the central and outer air intakes hint at the boosted engine output. The black trim at the bottom edge of the body is now considerably narrower. A matte-finished silver protection plate extends across the entire width of the central air intake, emphasizing the muscular features of the SAV, and accentuates the new BMW X5's character.
The dual round Xenon Adaptive headlights and foglamps are now situated higher and closer to the kidney grille. The BMW X5's new headlight fixtures emphasize high quality and sporting intentions. BMW's signature corona rings serve as position lights and daytime driving lights.
The newly conceived rear apron matches the graphic structure of the front end, while the intricately designed surrounds of the dual exhaust pipes are painted in body color to underline the BMW X5's premium character. In the center, a matte-finished silver protection element emphasizes strength and durability suitable for other-roads use.
Above the rear bumper, the rear of the new X5 is divided by parallel horizontal lines. The result is an accentuation of the width, highlighting the vehicle's athletic capabilities. The L-shaped taillight fixtures, each with two LED light banks, create the BMW-signature nighttime appearance of the rear end.
A choice of new body colors provides further visual enhancements. The metallic colors Deep Sea Blue, Platinum Grey, and Sparkling Bronze are now available for the BMW X5. Inside, the available Nevada Leather can be chosen in stunning new Oyster or Cinnamon Brown colors in addition to the familiar Sand Beige, and Black, and matte Satin Silver interior trim strips are added if the owner does not select from the available Brushed Aluminum, Dark Bamboo, Light Poplar, or Burl Walnut wood trims.
BMW X5 xDrive50i: BMW's Twin-Turbocharged V-8.
The new BMW X5 xDrive50i takes its place as the flagship of the X5 family, yielding 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 - 4,500 rpm from its twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine. Introduced in the BMW X6 in Spring of 2008, this all-aluminum V-8 features High Precision direct fuel injection, "reverse-flow" architecture for revolutionary responsiveness and packaging, and BMW' s VANOS variable valve timing technology. Together, these features create what may be the perfect balance between high fuel efficiency, low emissions, and the dominant, dynamic performance expected of a BMW V-8. The 0-60 mph sprint is accomplished in 5.3 seconds.
BMW X5 xDrive50i starts at $59,275 including Destination & Handling.
As part of the V-8 engine's reverse-flow architecture, the twin turbochargers are situated in the valley of the engine's "V" and exhale separately into two catalytic converters which are located on top of the engine and exit aftward into the large stainless-steel exhaust system via downpipes on either side of the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The exhaust streams remain separated until they meet in the large muffler at the rear of the vehicle and exit through two large, trapezoidal exhaust tips.
BMW X5 xDrive35i: BMW's Turbocharged Inline-6 with Valvetronic.
BMW X5 xDrive 35i receives a brand new inline-6 gasoline engine, internally dubbed "N55." The new engine features the same 3.0-liter displacement and 300 horsepower output of its predecessor (the "N54"), but features a single twin-scroll turbocharger in place of the previous twin, low-mass turbocharger units. Furthermore, the new inline-6 of the BMW X5 xDrive35i is the first BMW inline-6 to combine BMW's revolutionary Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and turbocharging. The result of combining this new inline-6 with the new 8-speed automatic is an BMW X5 with incredibly spontaneous responsiveness, exceptional power, and remarkable efficiency. The new BMW X5 xDrive35i will perform the 0-60mph sprint in 6.4 seconds, coincidentally on the same pace as the outgoing V-8 powered BMW X5 xDrive48i.
For the 2011 model year, BMW has made the X5 xDrive35i available in two additional trim levels: "Premium" and "Sports Activity."
The essential BMW X5 xDrive35i has an MSRP of $46,675 including Destination & Handling, and includes a popular profile of standard equipment often specified by BMW X5 customers, including BMW's Xenon Adaptive headlights, Rain Sensor with automatic headlight control, HD Radio, automatic climate control, foglights, 18" light alloy wheels, cruise control, and anti-theft alarm system. A Convenience Package is optional and adds the large panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, Dark Burl Walnut, Bamboo, or Light Poplar wood interior trim, BMW Ambiance Lighting, and BMW Assist with Bluetooth. Stand alone options include rear side window shades, Navigation system with Real Time Traffic Information and Voice Command, satellite radio with 1-year subscription, and an iPod / USB adapter interface.
The BMW X5 xDrive35i Premium has an MSRP of $52,475 including Destination & Handling and includes a boosted profile of standard equipment, such as 19" light alloy wheels, roof rails and panoramic moonroof, power adjustable steering column, iPod / USB adapter interface, and privacy glass. Best of all, it includes standard Nevada Leather. In addition, buyers of the Premium model may choose up to four packages, including the Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package, and Technology Package. Each package includes a raft of focused features that enhance comfort and convenience, allowing buyers to better customize the BMW X5 to personal taste. Third Row seating, which enables the BMW X5 to accommodate up to 7 passengers, also becomes available on this model.
The BMW X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity has an MSRP of $54,975 including Destination & Handling and includes even more standard equipment than the Premium model, such as 20" light alloy wheels, sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim, and Anthracite headliner. In addition to the packages available on the Premium model, customers may add the popular M Sport Package to the BMW X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity model. The M Sport Package includes 20" wheels with performance tires, the Adaptive Drive system, aluminum roof rails, M door sill plates, M driver footrest, M steering wheel, M aerodynamic enhancements, and increased top speed limiter (150 mph).
New 8-speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic.
On both new gasoline models of the BMW X5, sending the newfound power to the standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system is BMW's new 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic control. The new 8-speed transmission is standard in the BMW X5 xDrive50i and X5 xDrive35i, and raises the industry standard for compactness, efficiency, and gear selection. The new transmission weighs no more than its 6-speed predecessor, yet offers closer ratios in the lower gears for improved acceleration and two additional "tall" gears for relaxed, efficient cruising. BMW's 8-speed automatic was introduced on the 5-Series Gran Turismo and 760Li Sedan in the fall of 2009.
Using the console-mounted e-shifter, the BMW X5 driver chooses from three shifting programs: Drive, Drive Sport, and Manual. In Manual mode, the driver selects from the eight forward gear ratios via the + / - action of the shifter (push forward to downshift; pull back to upshift). At any speed, Neutral is easily selected via a forward push of the selector from Drive and, when at a standstill, Park is selected by depressing the "P" button atop the shifter, or by pushing the Engine Start-Stop button (doing so will also stop the engine).
BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration system is also fitted to the gasoline X5 models. It incorporates a special deep-cycle Glass Mat battery with programmed alternator disengagement so that, most of the time, the vehicle's battery is only charged while the vehicle is coasting or braking. Over time, the Brake Energy Regeneration system can save 1-2% on fuel consumption. Brake Energy Regeneration is another feature in BMW's EfficientDynamics portfolio of small features and adjustments which have a cumulative effect on the efficiency-performance balance of each BMW vehicle.
BMW X5 xDrive35d: Maintaining the Benchmark with BMW Advanced Diesel Technology.
The BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive35d was introduced to the United States as a 2009 model, and despite increased competition remains the fastest, most fuel efficient diesel-powered vehicle in its class. The huge torque output of 425 lb-ft. at 1750-2250 rpm speaks for itself; BMW X5 xDrive35d drivers will marvel at this engine's robust response at low to medium speeds. The peak power output of 265 hp also makes an impact, as does the resulting 0-60-mph time of 6.9 seconds. It returns EPA mileage estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 highway.
For the 2011 model, BMW has made no changes to the award-winning BMW Advanced Diesel powertrain, but rather has focused efforts to ensure the BMW X5 xDrive35d benefits from the latest design updates to the X5 family. Despite the enhancements for the new model year, MSRP for this model remains $52,175 including Destination & Handling.
BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance optimizes emission management by incorporating an oxidation catalyst placed close to the engine, a diesel particulate filter housed in the same unit, and an SCR catalyst with urea injection. Apart from filtering out even the smallest particles from the flow of exhaust gases, this combination ensures effective reduction of nitric oxides (NOX) by way of a chemical reaction within the exhaust system initiated by the injection of a small dose of urea referred to as Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Into the exhaust stream. The ammonia (NH3) generated in this process within the SCR catalyst subsequently converts the nitric oxides (NO and, respectively, NO2) in the exhaust gas into environmentally compatible nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O).
BMW has developed a two-tank system for DEF ensuring convenient use of this new technology with all the benefits and ease required by the customer: The amount of DEF required in each case is drawn from the active tank comprising approximately 1.6 gallons by means of a dosage pump. And since the urea solution would freeze at a temperature of 12.2o F (-11oC), this active tank, as well as the dosage pipes are heated.
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