|
Jul 02
2008
Stuttgart/Riyadh
– Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches
Mercedes-Benz
Buses and Coaches has received a major contract from SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian
Public Transport) for 300 Mercedes-Benz
Travego coaches.
The first 150 coaches will be delivered before the end of this year. The
other 150 will be delivered at the beginning of next year.
This is the
first time that SAPTCO has ordered the Travego coach. Amongst other duties,
these ultra-modern, two-axle coaches will be used for journeys between
the pilgrimage
cities in Saudi Arabia. SAPTCO is the country's biggest bus operator and
has a total fleet of 2,500 vehicles, more than half of which display the
Mercedes three-pointed
star.
The Mercedes-Benz
Travego is the top model in the Mercedes-Benz coach range and epitomizes
outstanding safety, comfort and environmental compatibility.
The coaches
are powered by Mercedes-Benz OM 457 LA diesel engines, producing 310kW
(422 bhp). All the vehicles will be fitted with an uprated air
conditioning
system, with a 39kW cooling capacity, in order to cope with the extreme
climatic conditions.
END
OF RELEASE - TOP
-----
June 20
2008
The M Double-Clutch
Transmission with Drivelogic
BMW M GmbH
is proud to be the world’s first car maker now offering a seven-speed Double
Clutch Gearbox specially conceived and designed for a high-speed
power unit.
Compared with all conventional systems available so far, this new gearbox
ensures an optimum gearshift and even more dynamic acceleration,
and at the
same time reduces fuel consumption by a significant margin.
-
The new M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic shifts gears without the slightest interruption
in the flow of power, thus promoting both the sports driving
experience
and gearshift comfort for the driver. In its gearshift characteristics,
the new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is ideally matched
to the
fast-revving
V8 power unit in the new BMW M3. Making its debut in the BMW M3 Coupé
and the BMW M3 Convertible, the new transmission helps to provide
even faster
and more dynamic acceleration.
-
Given these
qualities, the seven-speed Double Clutch Gearbox offers particularly the
sporting and ambitious driver an attractive alternative to the six-speed
manual gearbox
featured as standard. Maintaining a permanent flow of power from the engine,
reducing gear increments to a minimum and using dynamic
torque surge
when shifting gears, the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic ensures
a truly sporting experience at all times when shifting gears,
whether in
the automatic or manual mode.
-
A further essential
point is that Drivelogic exclusive to BMW M with its five shift programs
in the D- and six shift programs in the S-mode gives the driver the
opportunity
to tailor his BMW M3 individually to his personal style of motoring.
-
An even faster
and more comfortable gearshift is ensured by the M double-clutch transmission
with Drivelogic both in the automated (D-) mode and when
driving in
the manual (S-) mode.
-
The process
of shifting gears is basically the same as on BMW’s proven Sequential M
Gearbox, meaning that even when shifting gears manually there is no
need for a
clutch peddle and the driver may keep the accelerator fully depressed during
the shift process.
-
To activate
the D- or S-mode and to shift to reverse, the driver first has the choice
of the new sports shift lever exclusive to the BMW M3, enabling him to
shift
gears himself
in the S-mode. In this case he moves the gearshift lever only along one
line, in a sequential process.
-
As an alternative
the driver is able to shift gears via paddles on the steering wheel, pulling
the right-hand paddle to shift up, or the left paddle to shift down.
-
Consistent
enhancement of the automated manual gearbox
As early as
in 1996, the BMW M3 became the first production car in the world to feature
a fully automated manual gearbox. In the years to come the
Sequential
M Gearbox (SMG) was consistently enhanced and upgraded in two further generations,
optimised in its control logic and enhanced by the addition
of further
functions.
-
In 2001 BMW
M GmbH then presented the – again unique – Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic
in the predecessor to the new BMW M3,
enabling the
driver to adjust gearshift characteristics according to his individual
requirements and preferences.
-
The new M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic now offers further, consistent enhancement
of the automated manual gearbox in BMW M GmbH’s
high-performance
sports cars. Similar to the Sequential M Gearbox featured so far, the new
gearbox fulfils all the specific requirements coming from motorsport
in the transmission
of supreme engine power to the drive wheels and offers unique control and
gearshift technology all enhanced to an unprecedented standard.
-
Once again,
therefore, BMW M GmbH is setting a new benchmark in technology through
this new gearshift concept. And like the three generations of the
Sequential
M Gearbox in the past, the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic
immediately comes at the top of the market in terms of sportiness and driving
pleasure in
a production car.
-
Motorsport
as the benchmark, top performance as the principle
In its concept
and operating principle, the Double Clutch Gearbox comes straight from
motorsport. On the race track, where every tenth of a second is crucial
to winning
or losing, this unique gearshift concept has proven its value and benefits
in the same way as the sequential gearshift used in Formula 1: Shifting
up
with his foot
fully on the throttle and without the slightest interruption of torque
and pulling force makes even a professional driver a few fractions of a
second faster,
giving him
that small but incredibly important advantage on the track.
-
Moving over
to production cars, the problem so far was that the gearshift comfort required
in everyday use could only be achieved in combination with far less
powerful engines
and with far less torque. But now, for the first time, the benefits of
a Double Clutch Gearbox are available for the first time even under supreme
loads. The
M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is indeed the first power
transmission of its kind the world over conceived and designed for engine
speeds
of up to 9,000
rpm.
-
A further advantage
for the driver of a BMW M3 is the systematic control concept ensuring maximum
driving dynamics also in motorsport: Gearshift paddles on
the steering
wheel guarantee a very fast and, at the same time, safe gearshift in all
situations, the sequential shift pattern serving to minimise the risk of
making
a mistake when
shifting gears.
-
Always a step
ahead when shifting gears
The M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic combines two gearbox components in one common
housing with the same compact dimensions as a conventional
manual gearbox.
The “heart” of the new M double-clutch transmission in technical terms
is formed by the two oil-cooled wet clutches. One of the two clutches is
for
the even (2,
4, 6), the other for the uneven (1, 3, 5, 7) gears and, in addition, for
the reverse gear.
-
While driving,
one of the two clutches is always closed, the other is open. When accelerating
– and when shifting down – the clutches are activated in an alternating
process, one
after the other. When shifting gears, therefore, the first clutch opens
just as the second clutch is closing. This ensures an absolutely smooth
and
comfortable
and at the same time an incomparably fast gearshift without the slightest
interruption in the flow of power.
-
This interaction
of two clutches ensures an unparalleled rate of gear change in particular
because the transmission control unit pre-selects the next gear with the
transmission
ratio matched ideally to engine and road speed and keeps this gear waiting
for immediate operation. So if the BMW 3 Series is accelerating, say,
in third gear,
an immediate flow of power is ensured by the appropriate clutch and the
gearbox component controlling the uneven gears.
-
While all this
is happening, the gearbox segment responsible for the even gears shifts
to the gear required, in this case to fourth gear. The only operation required
for this purpose
is to close the clutch for fourth gear, at the same time opening the clutch
for third gear, the power of the engine then being transmitted through
the new gear
with its different ratio to the wheels.
-
This entire
process takes only a few milliseconds, meaning that in the time even a
skilled driver takes to press down the clutch pedal the M double-clutch
transmission
with Drivelogic has easily completed the entire process of shifting gears,
continuing to accelerate in the next gear higher up.
-
Like in motorsport:
dynamic torque peaks when shifting up, in-between gas when shifting down
With the process
of engaging and disengaging the gears continuing in a smooth flow, the
positive engagement connecting the engine to the transmission is not
interrupted,
allowing the driver to set off smoothly and comfortably and, in particular,
to shift up at an incomparably fast speed.
-
To provide
an even more sporting driving impression and to further improve the car’s
acceleration, the M double-clutch increases torque and pulling power to
an even higher
standard when shifting gears by means of the appropriately configured Drivelogic
programs. In conjunction with the small increments between gears,
these Drivelogic
programs give the driver an even more intense feeling of acceleration,
sensing each gearshift as the starting point for an even greater surge
of power.
The additional
power generated in this way comes out clearly in the new transmission ratio
feeding torque and traction to the drive wheels.
-
The combination
of short gearshift times, small gear increments and the increase in torque
gives the driver of a BMW M3 with an M double-clutch transmission
a new, unprecedented
experience of driving dynamics carried over directly from motorsport.
-
When shifting
down the M double-clutch transmission works according to exactly the same
principle. The only difference is that the electronic transmission control
makes the process
of engaging the clutch smoother and softer to prevent the rear wheels from
being slowed down suddenly and with too great an effect.
Should the
electronic control unit – for example when the driver is driving the car
in an extremely sporting style or applying the brakes hard – recognise
a very
large gap in
engine speed when changing gears, it will automatically adjust the transition
of torque to the speed of the engine. This process of giving gas in between
gears serves
to further enhance the car’s driving stability and makes the entire driving
experience even more intense. The drag force exerted by the engine comes
out only to
the extent desired by the driver, remaining within the limits already well
known from cars with a manual gearbox.
-
Electronic
transmission management recognising the driver’s particular preferences
In choosing
the gear to be prepared for operation, the electronic control unit naturally
takes current driving conditions – that is the current situation on the
road –
into account:
Focusing on the position of the gas pedal, engine speed, road speed and
the driving program currently in use, the system recognises the kind of
acceleration
the driver wishes to enjoy or, conversely, whether he wishes to reduce
his speed on the road.
-
Operating in
such an intelligent manner, the transmission control consistently makes
the necessary preparations for harmoniously continuing a manoeuvre initiated
by the driver.
So even with an extreme change in the style of motoring, the system changes
gears appropriately, again at unparalleled speed and with unparalleled
precision.
Should the driver be required to suddenly stop the process of acceleration,
for example, the M double-clutch transmission will promptly provide the
transmission
ratio required under such new conditions, operating just as quickly and
efficiently as a conventional automatic trans-mission of the latest generation
set to an extremely
dynamic gearshift mode.
-
A two-mass
flywheel serves as the torsion damper and the two clutches are activated
via an integrated hydraulic module. Dry sump lubrication, in turn, guarantees
a high standard
of reliability and maintenance-free function throughout the entire running
life of the car.
-
Special cooling
to handle even the most extreme conditions
The engineers
at BMW M GmbH have adapted the M double-clutch trans-mission with Drivelogic
not only to the high engine speed concept and the specific torque
curve of BMW’s
M engines, but also to the high thermal loads encountered in the drivetrain
of such a high-performance sports car. As an example, the transmission
fluid is kept
within the optimum temperature range not only by integrating the transmission
into the coolant cycle of the engine. Instead, an additional oil/air cooler
helps to avoid
excessively high temperatures inside the M double-clutch transmission even
under extreme conditions, for example on the race track.
-
A further point
is that the transmission fluid, being connected to the engine’s cooling
system, reaches its normal operating temperature faster than usual, for
example in
particularly cold weather. This again helps to reduce frictional losses
in the warm-up phase and saves fuel in the process.
-
Perfect combination:
eight cylinders and 8,400 rpm, two clutches and seven gears
Both in its
basic configuration and in the specific application on the BMW M3, BMW’s
new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is the ideal partner for
the
– likewise
brand-new – eight-cylinder power unit of the new BMW M3. Quite simply,
this is because the particular power and performance characteristics of
BMW’s
M Cars were
taken into account from the start by the engineers in developing the new
transmission.
-
In this process
the engineers at BMW M GmbH were able – over and above their detailed knowledge
of BMW M engines and their particular features –
to contribute
many years of experience in the development and set-up of the Sequential
M Gearbox in the process of developing the new transmission.
This skill
therefore went directly into the design and construction of the M double-clutch
transmission and was compared right from the start with the knowledge
gained in developing
the new V8 high-speed engine for the BMW M3. As a result, the M double-clutch
transmission is the first trans-mission of its kind able to
handle engine
speeds of up to 9,000 rpm. And at the same time it is perfectly prepared
for high engine torque and extra power.
-
Given these
qualities, the M double-clutch transmission is particularly suitable for
the BMW M3, where the unique muscle of the 309 kW V8 power unit is based
on the high
engine speed concept so typical of BMW M: The eight-cylinder reaches its
maximum output at 8,300 rpm and revs all the way to 8 ,400 rpm.
Maximum torque,
in turn, is 400 Newton-metres.
-
Precisely
this kind of power and muscle was taken into account from the start in
developing the M Double Clutch Gearbox.
-
Like the Sequential
M Gearbox already featured today, the new M double-clutch transmission
comes with seven gears allowing perfect adjustment of the
transmission
ratios to the engine’s power and performance. As a result, the new gearbox
shifts gears when accelerating with only a minimum gap or increment
between the
gears involved, ensuring an optimum flow of engine power and speed in every
gearshift and allowing the driver to really enjoy the enormous
power reserves
of the engine.
-
This serves
to capitalise on the engine’s torque and the traction and muscle offered
by the high-speed concept throughout the entire speed range. After every
gearshift,
therefore, the speed of the car on the road continues to increase unabated
with ongoing power and muscle.
-
Shifting gears
without interruption of power: dynamic and comfortable
When it comes
to driving dynamics, the seven-speed double-clutch transmission offers
an advantage over seven-speed SMG already boasting an extremely fast
gearshift by
way of the change in gears now taking place without the slightest interruption
of power and torque. In practice, this means even faster and more
dynamic acceleration
clearly measurable in seconds and metres.
-
The M double-clutch
transmission is the only system of its kind able to offer the advantages
of shifting gears without any interruption of power in combination
with seven
gears in a truly outstanding, high-performance car. The progress provided
by this configuration comes to bear not only in the car’s driving dynamics,
but also in
its driving comfort and efficiency. The fast and smooth shift of gears,
for example, ensures an unusually harmonious process of acceleration.
-
Precisely this
is why the indicator needle in the rev counter is virtually the only sign
of a change in gears when shifting in the automated mode.
The load change
reactions so typical of a conventional gearbox are avoided completely,
ensuring a standard of driving comfort even under dynamic conditions
never experienced
before.
-
More gears,
greater efficiency
Compared with
a conventional automatic transmission, the M double-clutch transmission
allows greater fuel economy and cleaner emissions on exactly the same
engine with
the same power. This is primarily attributable to the even more direct
connection between the engine and the M double-clutch trans-mission as
well as
the general
layout with seven gears. Quite simply, the advantage is that the larger
number of gears allows even finer increments between the individual gear
ratios.
-
With its overall
gear spread of 4.8, the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic offers
the appropriate transmission ratio in virtually every situation in
everyday traffic.
This again enables the driver to save fuel through an appropriate style
of motoring, without making any concessions in terms of driving dynamics.
For the M double-clutch
transmission is able to provide the appropriate gear for fast and powerful
acceleration at any time and with incredibly fast operation,
even in response
to sudden command.
-
Automatic
or sequential – it’s the driver’s choice
The M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic allows both automated and manual selection
of gears. In both cases gears are shifted at a rate and with a level
of precision
never seen before on a conventional manual gearbox or automatic transmission.
At the same time the driver is able to enjoy the optimised gearshift
comfort of
the M double-clutch transmission while switching over whenever he wishes
to a more active and dynamic style of motoring.
-
To change from
the automated to the manual gearshift mode, the driver is not even required
to move the gearshift lever in the appropriate direction. Rather,
all he has
to do while driving is to operate one of the gearshift paddles on the steering
wheel to shift gears immediately and change over to the S-mode.
Then, via the
appropriate paddle or with the help of the gearshift lever, the driver
subsequently selects the gear of his choice.
-
The electronic
control unit relieves the driver of the usual chore of shifting down in
a predetermined process independently of the gearshift mode selected –
for example
when rolling towards traffic lights switching to red. And in all operating
modes and driving programs, a gear indicator in the instrument panel
informs the
driver of the gear currently selected by the automatic mode or by the driver
himself.
-
M-specific
Drivelogic with eleven driving programs
The driver
of a BMW M3 equipped with the M double-clutch transmission has the choice
not only of automated and manual selection of gears, but also variable
gearshift characteristics
both in the D- and S-mode. For in both cases he is able to determine the
degree of gearshift dynamics as he wishes.
The configurations
available range in several steps from a more balanced, comfort-oriented
all the way to a very dynamic, racing-like set-up of the transmission.
-
To provide
this additional function, Drivelogic specially tailored to the M double-clutch
transmission provides no less than five driving programs in the D-
and six programs
in the S-mode.
-
This gives
the driver the opportunity to configure his BMW M3 perfectly to his personal
preferences also when it comes to the car’s gearshift characteristics.
At the same
time he has the freedom to choose the appropriate set-up in various driving
situations, taking, say, weather conditions, his route, or the load/number
of passengers
the car is carrying into account.
-
To change the
gearshift program, all the driver has to do is press the Drivelogic button
on the centre console. Indeed, he is even able to save his personal
favourite among
the Drivelogic options as part of an individual, personalised configuration,
then retrieving this specific function at any time simply by pressing
the MDrive
button on the multifunction steering wheel of his BMW M3. Then, just like
the gear currently in mesh, the driving program selected is shown in the
instrument
cluster between the speedometer and the rev counter.
-
Sports or
comfort: the driver has the choice
In the D-mode
with the gearbox shifting automatically among no less than seven gears,
the driver has the choice of five Drivelogic programs adjusting the gearshift
characteristics
very precisely to the driver’s individual style of motoring.
-
The driving
programs differ through the speed at which they change gears as well as
the engine revs at which a gearshift is initiated. Both of these parameters
are varied
in all driving programs as a function of current driving conditions, the
speed of the car, and the position of the gas pedal. So choosing the appropriate
driving program,
the driver is able to use the sports and comfort potential of the M double-clutch
transmission as he wishes.
-
In a particularly
sporting set-up – driving program D5 – the M double-clutch transmission
shifts up almost like in a racing car whenever the driver activates the
kick-down function,
that is shortly before the engine reaches its maximum speed – and the process
of shifting down is equally dynamic.
The other end
of the gearshift range is Drivelogic stage D1 enabling the driver to set
off in second gear. In this case the clutch is particularly smooth and
soft,
helping the
driver to set off without problems on, say, slippery surfaces in winter.
-
In the automated
mode the driver is able to influence the gearshift for example by taking
back the gas pedal slowly and determining himself when the transmission
shifts up.
Conversely, by kicking down the gas pedal he is able to quickly shift back
to the best gear for optimum acceleration.
-
Clear signals:
feedback when shifting and Shift Lights
In the manual
gearshift mode the driver has the choice of six Drivelogic driving programs
again rendering the complete range of features and characteristics so
typical of
the M Double Clutch Gearbox. In the most dynamic Drivelogic stages in the
S-mode, management of the clutch is very sporting and dynamic, creating
the direct
flow of power so typical of a car with a manual gearbox – which is precisely
what most drivers with a particularly sporting orientation expect.
-
The engine
speed required for optimum acceleration when shifting up is presented clearly
to the driver by eight LED units housed in the upper edge of the rev
counter on
the ornamental surround. These Shift Lights enable the driver to precisely
determine the ideal time for shifting gears. Six LED units flashing on
in
yellow one
after the other accompany the engine as it approaches its top speed. The
latest moment for shifting up is then presented by two LED units coming
on in red.
-
Once the engine
reaches its maximum speed, the lights so far remaining on consistently
start to flash on and off. A further point is that the driver is able
to configure
the individual operation of the Shift Lights via the MDrive button and,
if he wishes, deactivate their operation in the instrument cluster.
-
Manual mode
with Launch Control for setting off like a racing car
In the manual
mode Drivelogic also provides a Launch Control function operating in accordance
with specific BMW M parameters. Under optimum conditions in
terms of the
tyre condition, road surface and the load the car is carrying, Launch Control
ensures the fastest possible acceleration from a standstill.
To achieve
this dynamic performance, all the driver has to do with the car at a standstill
and in driving program S6 is move the sports shift lever to the front and
hold it in
this position. Then, as soon as the starter flag symbol comes on in the
instrument cluster, the driver just presses down the gas pedal to automatically
obtain
the ideal starting
speed on the engine. Pressing down the brake pedal lightly with his left
foot, in turn, the driver can prevent the car from rolling forward, and
by
briefly tipping
the cruise control lever he is able to finely adjust the desired starter
speed.
-
Then, after
letting go of the selector lever, the BMW M3 accelerates with optimum performance
and with slip on the rear wheels controlled by the clutch –
if the driver
wishes, all the way to top speed.
In this process
the M double-clutch transmission chooses exactly the right gearshift points
ensuring optimum pick-up of engine speed when shifting up.
To use Launch
Control the driver is first required to deactivate DSC Dynamic Stability
Control. Then, after completing the acceleration process,
the driver
again takes command in choosing the gears he wishes to use.
-
Sequential
gearshift like in a racing car
The seven-stage
M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic is operated by an M-specific
sports gearshift lever transmitting the driver’s shift commands electronically
to the transmission
management. This serves to facilitate the gearshift process, reducing control
forces in accordance with the dynamic character of the gearbox and
the car itself.
The shift commands determined by the driver through manual control are
generated in a sequential process, that is on one single level.
-
To shift up
to the next gear, all the driver has to do is briefly tip the gearshift
lever backwards, to shift down all he does is briefly tip the lever forwards.
In both cases
the lever automatically moves back to its starting point after operation.
-
This configuration
is the same as on the sequential gearboxes used in motor-sport and is the
logical control mode for the sports-minded driver.
At the same
time this highlights the close connection between the M double-clutch transmission
and motorsport technology.
-
Gearshift
paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears quickly and smoothly
In addition
to the newly developed gearshift lever, the BMW M3 equipped with an M double-clutch
transmission also comes with gearshift paddles on the
steering wheel.
Made of solid aluminium, these paddles enable the driver to shift gears
manually ultra-fast and with maximum safety. In particular, this is because
he does not
have to take his hands off the steering wheel when shifting gears, which
means extra safety in controlling the car.
-
Fitted firmly
to the steering wheel, the gearshift paddles are always in a convenient
position for shifting gears virtually level with the driver’s hands.
They therefore
enhance not only the driving experience, but also the high standard of
safety the driver enjoys at the wheel.
-
Like the sports
gearshift lever, the gearshift paddles operate according to the usual pattern
in motorsport: The paddle on the right is for shifting up, the paddle
on the left
for shifting down. And at the same time the high-quality finish of the
aluminium paddles also establishes a direct link to motorsport with the
flair of
a genuine racing
car.
-
The kick-down
function is a special feature in controlling the car, operated either by
the gearshift paddles or by the gearshift lever in the S-mode.
As soon as
the driver presses the gas pedal right down to the floor (kick-down) and
then pulls the left-hand paddle once or tips the gearshift lever forward,
the transmission
shifts back for optimum torque and pulling force.
-
Pulling the
paddle or tipping the gearshift lever only once therefore makes the transmission
shift down either one or several gears, whatever is appropriate.
The electronic
control unit in command of the M double-clutch transmission automatically
changes the gear currently in mesh to give the car optimum acceleration
under its current
driving conditions and at the speed at which it is travelling.
-
Comfort and
safety functions rounding off the sporting character of the car
The M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic supports the driver of the BMW M3 not only
when he prefers a particularly sporting mode, but also through
a wide range
of safety functions. In critical driving situations, for example, the M
double-clutch transmission instantaneously opens the clutch currently active
to
prevent the
rear end of the car from swerving round due to engine drag forces suddenly
acting on the drive wheels.
-
For optimum
conditions when driving at particularly low speeds – for example when manoeuvring
below 5 km/h – the M double-clutch transmission features a
Low Speed Assistant.
This function already well known from the automatic transmission serves
to significantly increase driving and control comfort, for example
when parking,
and is activated by briefly tipping the gas pedal. After the engine has
been switched off, the electronic control unit also automatically activates
a
parking lock
acting through the transmission.
-
Assistance
when setting off on an uphill gradient
Gradient detection
by the M double-clutch transmission varies the gearshift points as a function
of the route the driver is taking and its specific profile.
This means
that the gears shift differently on uphill and downhill gradients than
when driving on a flat, level surface. Driving uphill, for example, this
function
avoids the
constant change of gears so typical of a conventional automatic transmission,
the so-called pendulum gearshift with the gears constantly shifting up
and down. When
driving downhill, on the other hand, the M double-clutch transmission keeps
the lower gears in mesh longer than would otherwise be the
case in order
to capitalise on the brake power of the engine. And last but not least,
the choice of gears is automatically adjusted to an uphill gradient in
the
automated mode.
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Motorsport
character for everyday traffic: the BMW M3 with M Double Clutch Gearbox
Introducing
the new M Double Clutch Gearbox, BMW M GmbH is presenting a power transmission
which offers the latest state of the art in this technology.
The M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic excellently enhances the particularly dynamic
character of this high-performance sports car bearing the M logo.
In its M-specific
configuration, the new transmission harmonises perfectly with the engine
and suspension technology of the BMW M3 based from the start on
the particular
features and requirements of motorsport. And at the same time the M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic makes a helpful contribution to
driving comfort
and supports the driver in ensuring maximum efficiency at the wheel.
-
The M double-clutch
transmission with Drivelogic offers all the features required to enjoy
extra driving dynamics and motoring comfort as well as a new standard
of all-round
economy in a car of this calibre. Compared with a conventional automatic
transmission, for example, there is no loss of energy otherwise caused
by
the torque
converter.
-
A further advantage
of this high-performance transmission management is that it is able to
provide the ideal transmission ratio at all times for maximum efficiency,
taking the
particular style of motoring preferred by the driver into account. In this
way the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic also helps to reduce
fuel
consumption
and emissions.
-
Proudly presenting
the new technology, BMW M GmbH is once again highlighting the Company’s
competence in modern technology and its leading role in the
development
of high-performance cars able to provide their racing qualities also in
everyday motoring and offer up-to-date comfort and efficiency at the same
time.
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June
6 2008
Hydrogen
Powers Space Crew on Land Too
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The Space
Shuttle crew is getting a taste of the future of mobility at BMW.
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The astronauts,
who normally head into space propelled by hydrogen, have adopted the role
of earthbound passengers to experience the world’s first
hydrogen-powered
saloon, the BMW Hydrogen 7.
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It is an obvious
move considering that NASA was already using the American fleet of these
vehicles for test purposes at Cape Canaveral in autumn 2007.
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Commander Stephen
Frick takes stock of his impressions: “It’s impressive to see hydrogen
functioning so smoothly in cars as well. What I find most striking
is that a car
running on hydrogen performs just as well as a petrol-driven model.”
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Dr Draeger,
Member of the board of management of BMW AG for development, adds: “We
feel honoured that the astronauts of the Atlantis Space Shuttle
value our commitment
towards sustainable mobility. Only in concert with partners from society,
industry and politics will we be able to establish hydrogen
as the fuel
of the future. However, this is a marathon, not a sprint.”
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The Space Shuttle
crew’s visit to the BMW Group marks one of the stages on their tour of
Germany. After returning from a space mission it is traditional for
the European
astronaut on board, on behalf of the ESA, to invite his colleagues to Europe
on a crew tour. This includes special events at select venues at
which the astronauts
talk about their mission and life in space. It was their wish to use this
opportunity to see some concrete examples at the “coalface”
and to compare
notes with BMW engineers.
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