New BMW ZF Automatic Transmission
In September, we talked intensively about BMW’s new Start/Stop System as being part of the “EfficientDynamics” program. The stop-start system is one of the fuel economy and emissions reduction components of its “Efficient Dynamics” technology package. The way it works is that the system automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a standstill. As soon as the driver puts in the clutch or depresses the gas pedal, the engine fires up automatically.
At that time, we confirmed the Start/Stop system only works for manual transmissions, but we had hopes that a solution for the automatic gearboxes will be developed as well. Three months later and the latest news say BMW’s new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox will feature the Start/Stop technology also.
It is unknown at the moment which models will be getting this system, but my best goes on the high-end 760Li which will be released by the end of 2009.
BMW uses 2010 Z4 as art car
PRESS RELEASE
MULGRAVE, Australia – December 19, 2008: Imagine a canvas nearly as large as a football field. On it bold, swirling shapes in primary colors like red, yellow and blue. As the eye uncovers the rhythm of the lines, curves, circles and color splotches, something else is revealed: these forms must have been created by tire treads! A work of art like no other, created by an artist like no other – the new BMW Z4 Roadster.
Over the years BMW has offered great contemporary artists the chance to express themselves on the surfaces of a variety of the marque´s sports cars. However, the art performance created by the young South-African Robin Rhode daringly moves beyond the concept behind the BMW Art Car Collection. Here the car is no longer just a stunning model, but itself executing artist. “This work is an expression of painting in action – my hope is to communicate the power and thrill inherent in the creation of art”, says Rhode. “For me, the use of an untraditional paintbrush like a high performance car is a great way to investigate the relationship between emotion, technology and industrial creativity.” The
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BMW Z4: 2010 model
BMW will unveil the all-new Z4 roadster at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but there’s no need to wait for the show in Motown to see the car in non-spyshot form, as all the Euro-spec details were officially released when the clock struck midnight in Munich. We’re into the new bodywork, which is pretty voluptuous compared to the preceding model, with a hint of 507 lineage evident in the car’s lines. Follow the jump for the rest of the skinny.
European models have three engine selections, and the Z4 employs BMW’s ridiculous new naming scheme, as first seen on the X6. The Z4 sDrive23i is probably Euro-only, powered by a 2.5L inline-6 making 204 horses via a six-speed manual or automatic. Next up is the Z4 sDrive30i, which features the normally-aspirated 3.0L I6 we’re all familiar with. Here, it makes 258 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to get it to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds (with the stick). Fun times. the sDrive30i also comes with either a 6-speed manual or automatic. Those of you looking for the ass-kicker Z4 want the sDrive35i, which gets the excellent twin-turbo 3.0L and 306 horsepower. 0-62 takes 5.2 seconds with the manual tranny, but you shave a tenth off that if you opt for the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Inside, the cabin is refreshingly simple with attractive wood accents, slick-looking new HVAC controls and a straightforward cockpit layout. iDrive has now made its way into the Z4, but it’s the new, allegedly more intuitive version that was first introduced in the new 7 Series. The LCD display sinks into the instrument panel when not in use.
via autoblog.com
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