Tag Archives: BMW

News

BMW cars are moving autonomously in the plant

Before self-driving cars become a reality on the roads around the world, some manufacturers have decided to use this feature to increase production efficiency. One of the places where self-driving cars are moving without drivers is BMW’s factories in Dingolfing and Leipzig.

In these plants, the 5 Series and 7 Series models, after assembly, move independently along a marked route from the production area to a small test track and then to the finishing area. It is an Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) system, and the vehicles move thanks to LiDAR sensors placed along the route, which cooperate with an external motion planner and an environmental model that controls the vehicle’s movement.

BMW plans to equip the Leipzig plant so that in the future 80 percent of the cars produced at this plant can move autonomously. The plan is also to expand this system to other plants.

Source: BMW

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BMW cars are moving autonomously in the plant
Tuning

BMW M2 G87 with insane modifications

Since the BMW M2 G87 hit the market, it has been the basis for many tuner projects that have tried to make this car better. However, British company R44 Performance and Tom Wrigley Performance have gone a step further.

A video of the BMW G87 M2 with some insane modifications was posted on the official YouTube channel of R44 Performance. The car was purchased in orange, and then covered in an amazing livery. Four conversions from the M3 were installed, such as running gear and OEM parts, which was fun to start with.

The car received a new MAC carbon kit with four components that include side skirts, a front lip, a rear spoiler, a lowered suspension, all-wheel drive instead of the rear-wheel drive that is the case with the original M2, Vossen wheels, a carbon engine cover, an ECU cover, and a JQ steering wheel. There is also a roll cage, carbon tubs and seat belts in six seats, as well as a parachute.

As for the powertrain, the engine was completely stripped down, and then forged internal components, a large turbocharger, and improved cooling were installed. This allowed for an increase in power to a whopping 1,500 hp (1,103 kW). Power is sent to all wheels via a modified 8-speed automatic transmission.

The car made its debut at Santapod raceway and will then be sent to the United States where it will compete in the TX2K race in Texas as well as some street-legal drag races.

Source: R44 Performance via YouTube

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BMW M2 G87 with insane modifications
Tuning

Manhart MH2 700 II based on BMW M2 (G87)

Manhart continues to show why one of the world’s best tuners of BMW cars, and their latest project is the MH2 700 II. It is based on a car that has been the basis for the projects of this German tuner several times, the BMW M2 (G87).

This is not the first time that Manhart “plays” with the last generation of this model powered by an ICE. In April, we saw a unique edition based on this model, the Manhart MH2 GTR II 01 OF 01.

The car is finished in black with a decal set in Champagne, which is standard for most Manhart projects. It is equipped with a carbon kit that includes front bumper inserts, side skirts, and a front spoiler, kidney grille, hood, rear diffuser, rear spoiler and underbody by Alpha-N. Customers can choose between Variant 4 suspension kit or high adjustable spring kit and suspension tuning.

The interior has undergone certain changes. The front seats were retained while the rear seats were removed. A roll bar, harnesses by Schroth with belt tensioner and Manhart floor mats are installed.

The MH2 700 II got a new stainless steel exhaust system with valve control, sport downpipes with 200 cell HJS catalytic converters, 4 x 110 mm Manhart tailpipes in mate black. Customers can also choose a combination of a stainless steel exhaust system with valve control, race downpipes without catalytic converters, OPF-Delete pipes with 200 cells HJS catalytic converters and 4 x 110 mm Manhart tailpipes in matte black.

Under the hood is a 3.0-L biturbo engine (S58) with 748 hp (550 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s a significant increase in power compared to the original model with 460 hp (338 kW) and (550 Nm) of torque.

The price of the upgrade has not been announced.

Source: Manhart

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Manhart MH2 700 II based on BMW M2 (G87)