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Click the BMW X5 concept for a high res gallery

To all the Americans griping about $4 a gallon for fuel: imagine how the Brits feel about paying £5 a gallon. £5 is roughly $9.80 today, and you can trust that paying ten bucks per gallon hurts pretty bad. To help (and to generate some friendly press) BMW is offering the BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend later this month (May 31 and June 1). The event will turn BMW dealerships in the UK into shops where anyone - whether they drive a BMW or not - can pull in and get schooled on how to drive greener (make a reservation first). Also, dealers will perform free multi-point car checks to point out ways to save fuel and, BMW says, up to £520 a year.

BMW calculates that the 700,000 BMWs with EfficientDynamics technologies (e.g., start/stop, regenerative braking) that will be sold in 2008 will save 33 million gallons of fuel and 373,000 tons of CO₂ when compared to 2006 BMW models without EfficientDynamics technologies. Full details after the jump.

Press Release:

BMW EfficientDynamics to the fore

* BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend – save up to £520 a year
* Online vehicle comparator goes live
* BMW at the SMMT Test Day
* BMW announces two further ‘new models’

BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend – save up to £520 a year
With fuel prices passing the £5-per-gallon mark for the first time, the BMW UK dealer network is to stage a BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend where drivers of all makes and models of car will be able to take advantage of a free multi-point car check to highlight potential cost savings.

By adhering to the driving principles of EfficientDynamics, such as removing unnecessary weight, having tyres correctly inflated and engine lubricants and fluids at the right level, the average driver could save up to £120 per annum*. The fuel-saving benefits of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, fitted as standard to 95 per cent of new BMWs, will also be promoted. These measures, that include innovations such as Start / Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration technology, mean drivers of older models stepping up to a new BMW could save as much as £400 per annum**.

The EfficientDynamics Weekend lets motorists book an efficiency check that will show how they can save money now or test drive a new BMW to experience the substantial saving they could make on running costs with a new BMW. The BMW EfficientDynamics Open Weekend will be held on Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June. Drivers of any make or model of car wanting to take advantage of this offer can book a car efficiency check by logging on to www.bmw.co.uk and navigating through the EfficientDynamics link. Once registered, convenient time slots can be chosen at one of the 144 dealerships taking part.

* Figure sourced by Energy Savings Trust. ** Figure based on a 12,000 mile per annum driver driving a new 318i Saloon with fuel priced at the current national average of £1.10 per litre compared to a 2007 model year 318i Saloon.

Online vehicle comparator goes live
BMW is pleased to announce the launch of an online tool for new car buyers that lets them use independent data to compare potential new car purchases. The online vehicle comparator allows users to view BMWs against rival products on such points as engine output, performance, fuel consumption, emissions, Vehicle Excise Duty and running costs to get a true picture of ownership.

By accessing this one-stop-shop motorists can get an unbiased third party view of the benefits EfficientDynamics technologies can bring. EMMOX Carcost Ltd provides all the information for the site, which is updated on a monthly basis. The BMW 118d is a good example of how EfficientDynamics technologies can save money. The table below outlines its competitive advantage.

Model	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (secs)	Top speed (mph)	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)	VED Band
BMW 118d M Sport three-door	143	300	9.0	130	62.8	119	B
Audi A3 Sportback TDI Sport 140	138	320	9.5	129	52.3	143	C
Mercedes A-Class A200 CDI Avantgarde SE	140	300	9.5	125	52.3	141	C
Volkswagen Golf GT Sport TDI PD 140 PDF	138	320	9.3	129	51.4	145	C

Data supplied by EMMOX Carcost Ltd

Since facets of EfficientDynamics technologies were introduced on the first BMW models in 2006, a staggering amount of financial and environmental savings have already been made. On a Europe-wide basis, more than 700,000 EfficientDynamics-equipped cars are expected to be sold in 2008. To put this into context, those 700,000 cars will save more than 33 million gallons of fuel compared to pre-EfficientDynamics cars sold in 2006. This equates to a reduction in CO2 of 373,000 tonnes in Europe, 54,000 tonnes of which will be saved in the UK alone.

To use the online vehicle comparator general access can be gained by going to www.bmw.co.uk and clicking through the EfficientDynamics link. Alternatively, the following link to www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/efficient_dynamics/bc/carcomparator provides instant access.

BMW at the SMMT Test Day
BMW will showcase its class-leading EfficientDynamics technologies when it appears at the SMMT Test Day at Millbrook, while also heralding the launch of two new BMW models. The 22 May event is a highlight in the motoring calendar and this year’s profile will be boosted with the international media debuts of the BMW 120d Convertible and BMW 320d Convertible.

The 120d Convertible builds on the benchmark attributes of the most compact, open-top, four-seat BMW by offering diesel power for the first time. Meanwhile, the 320d Convertible joins another class-leading range to offer an appealing mix of low running costs, luxurious open-air motoring and benchmark driving dynamics.

Joining these two new additions will be the World Green Car of the Year 2008, the BMW 118d, the sub-225g/km BMW X6 xDrive35d and the BMW 635d Coupé. All five of the cars appearing at the SMMT Test Day feature EfficientDynamics technologies that result in lower emissions and better fuel consumption, while also improving engine output and performance figures.

BMW announces two further ‘new models’
BMW UK is pleased to announce some key changes to the line up of its Corporate Communications department. Gavin Ward, previously Media Relations Executive, has been appointed as BMW Media Relations Manager, while Janis Prescott has been appointed to the role of MINI Media Relations Manager.

Ward has worked in BMW’s corporate communications team for more than four years. He now takes on the role as the main contact for day to day BMW product press queries following Duncan Forrester’s move to become New Media Public Relations Manager.

Prescott replaces Ellysia Graymore who has left the company in order to pursue a new adventure in Italy. She starts work on 1 June and will bring to the role more than 10 years experience working for BMW and MINI brands in various roles.

Chris Willows, BMW Corporate Communications Director, said: “It was very sad to say goodbye to Ellysia as she headed for Turin. However, she has been replaced by Janis who has an extensive knowledge of the business and is well placed to take on MINI media communications. Meanwhile, Gavin should be a familiar face to you all and will, I’m sure, continue to offer the same high levels of service and professionalism you expect from BMW.”

[Source: BMW]

When NHTSA recently released draft regulations to implement the fuel economy requirements from December’s Energy Bill a controversial element of the proposal were the footprint-based thresholds. Rather than setting a single requirement that all manufacturers fleets would have to meet, the proposal set mileage thresholds based on the vehicle’s footprint (the wheelbase x track width). Each manufacturer would get a requirement based on a sales weighted average of the footprint values for the vehicles it sells. Companies that sell more vehicles with large footprints would have a lower requirement. At the time, I postulated that this might have the effect of encouraging carmakers to stretch the wheelbase and track of their new models in order to lower the required fuel economy.

Now we have a sighting of what is likely a mule for the next generation BMW 1-series. While this vehicle was obviously built before the recent rule announcement, and it does follow the long time trend of making successive generations of a car bigger, it certainly points to the possibilities of the new rules. Of course I’m using this particular photo to illustrate the possibilities of the rules. Instead of encouraging manufacturers to go smaller, the opposite is the case. The upside is that with fuel prices likely to continue rising, consumer demand for more efficient vehicles will likely outpace anything the feds try to do on this subject and the whole discussion will be moot.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Just as a whole batch of new fifty state-legal diesel vehicles are about to hit the market in the U.S., chemical company BASF is set to take advantage of the situation. BASF has announced that they will be raising the price of AdBlue by €45 per 1,000 liters. AdBlue is the 1/3 urea, 2/3 water solution used for the NOx after-treatment system in new diesel engines. The urea solution is injected into the exhaust gas stream where the heat of the exhaust causes it turn into ammonia by a hydrolysis reaction. The ammonia reacts with the exhaust in a special catalyst to turn the NOx into nitrogen and water.

The only reason for using the urea solution instead of straight urea is to allow for more precise dosing so that it lasts longer and no excess is used and passed through the exhaust. The Mercedes and BMW vehicles that are coming to market with urea injection systems that hold about 4-5 gallons of AdBlue which needs to be replenished every 15,000 miles or so. BASF claims the price increase is due to tight raw material supplies and the need to ensure product quality.

[Source: BASF]

Click above for a high res gallery of the AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman S.

The MINI Clubman isn’t what we’d call overly practical, or particularly pretty, but AC Schnitzer has done its best to address the biggie-sized MINI’s faults. AC’s interpretation of the Clubman S begins with an increase in output courtesy of a new sports exhaust that aids breathing and increases power to 226 hp and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. A “twin sports rear silencer” ensures that you won’t be irritating the neighbors on your way to Macy’s, and a choice of either a simple spring kit or a height-adjustable racing suspension gives the Clubman a more sporting stance while ensuring that things remain planted if you ever decide to tackle the twisties. AC Schnitzer is offering a choice of 17×7.5- or 18×7.5-inch wheels, a new hood with a bulging power dome and aluminum pedals to round out the appearance package, along with a limited slip differential to make sure that peg-leg burnouts are kept in check while darting from stop-light to stop-light. Hit the jump to read AC Schnitzer’s flowery prose about its reworked Clubman S.

PRESS RELEASE

It might not transport washing machines, but it’s got a big heart

The new MINI Cooper S Clubman by AC Schnitzer with up to 226HP

The name “MINI” says it all: Physically, the Clubman is not one of the biggest out there, but it’s got a bigger heart than any other estate. And now AC Schnitzer provides that final endorphin surge. With its new front spoiler, giving it a harder look than standard, the Cooper S Clubman doesn’t just catch the eye but demands respect. In terms of driving dynamics, the agile cornering master shouldn’t be underestimated. Especially not when fitted with the AC Schnitzer spring kit or even the height-adjustable racing suspension made in Aachen. The subtle lowering flatters the well-honed figure of the Clubman. The bonnet with its striking power dome hides real muscle. After the AC Schnitzer performance training, the Cooper S develops 226 HP/ 166 kW and a torque of up to 285 Nm. Gas and away! But with spirited driving, don’t forget: secure your load first!

An optional limited slip differential (up to maximum 75 percent) developed by the renowned BMW tuning house ensures that the raw engine power is always applied to the right wheel when cornering and not lost through the exhaust. Even the exhaust gas flow plays a dual role of utility and aesthetics: Not only does it drive the turbo, but the AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer plays an almost orchestral note. The musical masterpiece with its chromed tailpipes is also a top level eyecatcher. Like the perfectly styled alloy wheels specially designed for the MINI in Aachen. Variants available are the Bicolor wheel Mi2 in 7.5 x18″ and the Mi1 in the classic AC Schnitzer look in 7.5 x 17″. And naturally the passionate MINI fan wants the right accessories in the interior too. Like the attractive controls and sports pedals of aluminium - naturally from AC Schnitzer.