H&R new Technical Partner of BMW Motorsport
H&R is the new Technical Partner of BMW Motorsport. The specialist for suspension components will be involved as the BMW M3 GT2 takes to the track for this year’s 24-hour races. The company has supported BMW driver Uwe Alzen (DE) for several years. This partnership has how been extended for the 2010 GT season. As a result, the H&R logo will not only be seen on the cars, helmets, trucks and driver overalls, but also exclusively on Alzen’s cap.
“The transfer of first-rate technology from motor racing to series production is the incentive for both BMW and H&R’s involvement in motorsport,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “Due to the extreme demands placed on the car and its components, 24-hour races are the ideal test areas for technical innovations and new developments. We are looking forward to working together with H&R in this field.”
H&R is synonymous with suspension components “Made in Germany”. Based in Lennestadt (DE), the company uses international motor racing to test new materials and production technology on an accelerated time scale. The experience gained on the race track flows directly into the development and production of H&R suspension components.
The company employs over 100 motivated and highly-trained workers, who design, develop and manufacture springs, shock absorbers, spacers, stabilisers and other suspension components for customers all over the world.
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BMW Presence at 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
BMW was present at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance at the scenic Amelia Island, one of the most Northerneastern points in Florida. The Concours at Amelia Island is prestigious event held to showcase classic and modern cars as well as other cars of significant importance in the automotive industry – all of which are highly valuable. In this, the15th anniversary of the original Amelia Island Concours, the event continued it’s success of uniting multiple decades of both cars and owners into one incredible event.
Knowing that BMW of North America had a significant venue at which to show off the new 5 Series, a handful of executives brought down a 2011 535i along with a number of other very interesting Bimmers. Alongside the new F10 535i sedan the following could be found:
- 1999-2000 E39 M5 in Titanium Silver
- 1988 E28 M5
- 1999 V12 LMR
- 1975 CSL
- Mid-1990’s M3 PTGWhile the pictures still don’t do these cars justice, a few facts must be noted about them. The E28 M5, owned by BMW NA, has only covered around 12,000 original miles since it left the factory.
Additionally, both the CSL and the V12 LMR are past 12 Hours of Sebring winners with the CSL taking overall victory in 1975 ( though this model was one of a handful BMW campaigned and not the official race winner) and the V12 LMR beating the entire field in 1999.
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BMW Motorrad USA Posts Strong February Sales
The U.S. motorcycle market continued to struggle as it declined 36% in February 2010 compared to the same month last year. Against this challenging backdrop, BMW Motorrad USA posted a 52 percent increase in retail sales in the same period.
The spike in February retail sales is largely attributed to the long-awaited availability of the production version of the BMW S 1000 RR Superbike, the most powerful and sophisticated sport bike ever produced. Dealers had confirmed deposits on over 600 bikes and deliveries to customers began in late January and continued through February. Other top-selling models included the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure as well as the popular R 1200 RT.
BMW Motorrad USA’s strong February sales continued the company’s industry-leading performance in this difficult market. Despite a U.S. motorcycle market that declined 41 percent and lost nearly 360,000 units last year, BMW motorcycle sales only declined 22 percent. This followed on the heels of 2008 when BMW Motorrad USA was one of only two motorcycle manufacturers to post positive growth.
“Superior products in all segments of the market, a dedicated and expanded dealer network, and attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services will help keep the positive momentum going in 2010,” commented Mac McMath, BMW Motorrad USA Sales Manager.
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Racing Dynamics releases new image of their F10 BMW 5 Series
Shortly after the new F10 BMW 5 Series was unveiled, the Aachen based and respectable tuner, Racing Dynamics, released a photoshop of their vision of the new 5er. Following up on that, a new front-end image made its way onto the web yesterday.
Racing Dynamics’ program for the F10 5er includes both visual and technical improvements. Firs step will consist of increasing the power of the already quite powerful 550i. Powered by the V8 twin-turbo engine, the 550i normally outputs 407 horsepower, but Racing Dynamics plans to take their 550i R50S model to an incredible 620 horsepower.
Along with the substantial power increase, a new rear-locking differential, sport suspension and high performance braking system is being offered as well.
The BMW 535i follows next, dubbed R35, the Racing Dynamics model also features the new N55 single-turbo twin-scroller engine, but with a substantial power increase: 410 horsepower, up from its 306 horsepower in standard form. The maximum torque is increased to a remarkable 530Nm (383.5 lb-ft) and the 0 to 62 mph is now achieved in 5.3 seconds, seven tenths faster than the the regular model.
To adjust the acoustics to the increased potency of R50S and R35, there is also a special exhaust system installed by Racing Dynamics that has been optimized with the help of expensive tests.
The extensively revised suspension system includes two gas struts for the front axle and a pair of gas-pressurized shock absorbers for the rear. In the development process, great importance was attached to obtain in addition to high driving dynamics and comfort at an acceptable balance. The complete system ensures that the sedan sits 35 millimeters closer to road.
In addition to the driving dynamics, a great emphasis was placed on improving the braking performance – understandable at a top speed of 340 km / h for the R50S. The brake system is designed to provide fading delay and high reliability even at red-hot brake discs and brake temperature of 800 degrees Celsius. Specific weight-slotted brake discs with four-or six-piston calipers are combined.
As seen in the photshoped image above, Racing Dynamics models make use of new lightweight 21″ one-piece forged wheels.
Further details are expected to be released near the April-May time frame when first 5 Series models will reach the BMW dealerships in Europe.
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Snap Shot: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics
New for 2010, the 320d receives an ED package that puts a further emphasis on frugality.
Beyond engine tuning that reduces total horsepower output by a count of 20, the car also receives a longer final drive ratio, lowered suspension and slippery aero wheels. The result? A drag co-efficient of 0.26 and a stunning ultra-low emissions figure of just 109 g/km CO2.
With 162 hp on tap, a leather clad gear-shift selector in hand, and perfect 50:50 weight distribution left in tact, the 320d ED edition is a tempting prospect indeed; just another example of efficiency and dynamics co-existing in a fun but frugal package. While the engine’s sporty intentions are evident, the 2.0 four cylinder is remarkably refined and smooth under all throttle loads.
This turbine smooth rev characteristic is attributable to a new dual-mass flywheel which has a pair of ‘Centrifugal Pendulum Absorbers’ added to cancel out vibrations.
It’s a real shame this BMW will not be making the trans-Atlantic trip to the North American Continent.
To read the complete report from AUTOCAR, click here.![]()
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Photoshop Contest: BimmerMania Style
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