BMW M Concept notes [TIOT Iss.10]
As you are reading this, I will be camping at the amazing Gualala River Redwood Park and reviewing a current model year Ram 2500 Bighorn as I'm there. I'm sure you will be able to see more about that very soon, but in the meantime I will leave you with the notes I took during the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse reveal, with all quotations coming from their newsroom article.
"Design and technology transferred from motorsport"
Didn't they stop racing in Formula E?
Yes - yes they did
“Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets"
An electric car might be uniquely suitable for this goal, but what race series is the origin for this vehicle?
"The vehicle builds a bridge between its history and motorsport."
"Powerful proportions, precise lines and a muscular shoulder section with wide wheel arches define the unmistakable BMW M character."
Just like the e40 M30 BMW parked alongside this vehicle
"A forward-facing shark nose and a light signature with depth effect characterise the front end"
Seems to be a returning design element across the entire lineup, with it also being showcased on the Vision BMW ALPINA.
"The yellow light icons are set to become a new signature feature of future BMW M automobiles and reference GT racing cars as well as the BMW M Hybrid V8."
I have always loved the yellow headlights (F90 M5).
Is the BMW M Hybrid V8 the closest motorsport vehicle to this all-electric four-door sedan?
"The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is reduced and consistently geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation all-electric BMW M."
Always paying more for less!
"For the first time in a BMW M vehicle, high-quality black nubuck leather is used"
Google: Nubuck is similar to suede, but is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength, thickness, and a fine grain.
Would this be a downgrade when compared to Alcantara?
“Even in the new all-electric era, we continue the M-typical tradition of transferring both technological innovations and defining design features directly from motorsport into series production,” -Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.
What technology specifically is coming directly from motorsport?
Is it the drivetrain, software, or just structural components?
"Thanks to the integrated, wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems, BMW M eDrive opens up new potential for driving dynamics and driving safety. It enables high recuperation performance, optimal traction right up to the limit and particularly direct response."
Safety is definitely my number one concern when buying a M vehicle lol
Is this 1%, 20%, 50%, etc... more tunable than the gas version?
"A BMW M-specific optimised version of sixth-generation cylindrical cells provides particularly high output when delivering energy to the electric motors and during charging."
Does this also include unlimited hotlaps around the track, or will a cooldown period be needed between runs?
"The housing of the high-voltage battery is structurally integrated with both the front and rear axle, thereby additionally contributing to driving dynamics."
First time I'm hearing of this technique. Check to see if others are utilizing this as well.
I hope y'all liked this look behind the scenes since I'm busy all day today. If y'all saw anything else that popped out to you in either the BMW press release or the unveil event at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, please share them with me on our socials. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you next Tuesday!
