BMW and Garmin have just stuck a deal that gets a customized Garmin Nuvi 360 into the BMW 100 and 300 series. BMW dealers will offer the customized Nuvi 360 Garmin system to drivers who decide after they buy the vehicle that they want the navigational device. The gps system will have a BMW logo on the welcome screen and the exterior casing. A tailored mounting bracket will also enable owners to place the device on the instrumental panel, rather than the windshield using a suction cup.
The BMW Portable Navigation System comes preloaded with highly detailed City Navigator maps containing detailed road maps throughout the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The gps system will also features a complete BMW Center database as well as nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. The map data will be provided by NAVTEQ.
Other features of the system include:
* Bluetooth Hands free Calling
* MP3 player
* Audio book player
* JPEG picture viewer
* Travel clock with world wide times
* Currency converter
German luxury carmaker BMW has officially revealed its first-ever double-clutch gearbox dubbed “M DCT” that will be initially available on all M3 variants (Coupe, Sedan and Convertible). As with VW Group’s DSG dual-clutch gearbox, the M DCT promises to offer much smoother and faster shifts and at the same time reduced fuel consumption compared to a conventional system such as BMW’s semi-automated SMG transmission.
The driver can control the transmission by the selector lever or via paddles on the steering wheel. According to BMW, the M3 Coupe fitted with the M DCT dual-clutch gearbox sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 sec (M3 Coupe with manual gearbox: 4.8 sec).
Just 24 hours after its launch in Munich, BMW Sauber’s 2008 car enjoyed a successful test debut on Tuesday in Valencia. Robert Kubica, who was charged with taking the F1.08 out for the first time, pulled out of the garage shortly after midday.
“It was a good start,” said the Polish driver. “I've only driven a few laps so far, but I have the impression that everything is heading in the right direction. The car feels more stable than its predecessor and it builds up more grip. I'm looking forward to the test days to come.”
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen added: “The roll-out of the BMW Sauber F1.08 went-off absolutely hitch-free. All systems were functioning from the word go and Robert has gained a positive first impression of the new car's handling. It means the most suspenseful moment for the engineers and technicians has resulted in a positive outcome.”
Kubica was joined at the Spanish track by team mate Nick Heidfeld, who was tasked with driving the squad’s car from last season, the F1.07. Heidfeld enjoyed a brief taste of the new car during its launch on Monday, completing three demonstration laps at BMW’s new vehicle delivery centre in Munich, and will get back behind the wheel later this week.
“I really enjoyed driving the old car as well,” said the German. “During the winter break there were a few weeks when I hadn't been in the car. The F1.08 is the most beautiful vehicle I have seen in my F1 career. It has a lot of interesting details. I'm really excited about getting inside it on Thursday!”
With their rivals in action in Jerez for a three-day test, both BMW drivers will concentrate their attentions on the team’s 2008 development programme in private, ahead of the multi-team session at the track next week.
BMW Sauber have presented the car they hope will finally put them on the top step of the podium this year, following their strong 2007 showing. The wraps came off the F1.08 at BMW’s Munich facility on Monday, with team principal Mario Theissen declaring it a major advance on its predecessor.
“It includes everything we have learnt and experienced in the first two years - it will be a big step forward again,” said Theissen, who led BMW Sauber to second place in the 2007 constructors’ championship.
The team scored points in every race last season and in the F1.08 Theissen hopes they now have the equipment to challenge the likes of Ferrari and McLaren for 2008 race victories. “We are confident we can turn the battle in front into a battle of more than two teams,” he added.
BMW Sauber are retaining their 2007 race line-up of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica for the coming season and both the German and the Pole are optimistic of making more podium appearances, perhaps even on the middle step.
“It is generally very difficult to define expectations and make forecasts, but
I hope that our plan works out and we are able to win our first race in 2008,” said Heidfeld. “I expect us to move forward in all areas - particularly as far as reliability is concerned - and to learn from our mistakes. This development process is essential in what we’re trying to achieve.”
Kubica added: “I will also be looking to achieve greater consistency in my results during my second full season in Formula One. Retirements and that crash in Canada - which also prevented me from starting in the USA - cost me points in 2007. We all need to take further steps forward in 2008 and make maximum use of every opportunity that presents itself.”
Among the changes on the new BMW machine are significant revisions to the car’s aerodynamics, its rear suspension and its engine packaging. Following Monday’s launch, which will include some demonstration laps by driver Nick Heidfeld inside BMW’s new vehicle delivery centre, the F1.08 will be flown to Valencia in Spain, where it will make its testing debut on Tuesday.
The sound basis provided by last year’s F1.07 has allowed BMW Sauber’s engineers to channel their energies into innovative developments for this year’s F1.08. That’s according to technical director Willy Rampf, who was on hand to explain the changes to the team’s new car as it was unveiled in Munich on Monday.
Rampf said the philosophy behind the new car boiled down to what he described as “radical evolution”. The engineers’ development work focused on achieving a high level of aerodynamic efficiency coupled with a stable aero balance. Other development aims included improving mechanical grip in order to make the best possible use of the standard tyres, and reducing the weight of various components to allow maximum use of ballast in optimising weight distribution.
“The data which the F1.08 has delivered ahead of its roll-out is extremely promising,” said Rampf. “And the development work will continue full speed ahead up to the start of the new season. We have already come up with another aero package for the season-opener in Melbourne on 16th March, and this will also change the external appearance of the F1.08 once more.”
While the regulations governing aerodynamics remain unchanged in 2008, two other changes to the rulebook had a major effect on the F1.08’s design: the introduction of a standardised electronic control unit (ECU) and the new reliability requirements for gearboxes, which must now be used over four Grands Prix. Since the ECU does not allow for traction control, among other functions, mechanical grip and sensitive accelerator control will gain in importance.
A particularly eye-catching feature of the F1.08 is its imposing front wing. But despite its appearance, the car’s nose has actually slimmed down - in equal measure to the rear end - compared to its predecessor. The narrower engine cover has been designed with all-new extra wing elements. Another new and immediately noticeable feature are the rim shields, similar in appearance to those introduced by several teams last season.
Disclaimer
: BMW.SG is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG / BMW Asia.
The BMW name, marks, and Roundel logo used in the pages of this Web Site
are the property of BMW AG / BMW Asia. This web site is not sponsored or
affiliated in any way with BMW AG / BMW Asia or any of its subsidiaries.
For more info, click here.
