An In-Depth TASTE Of BMW's Innovative Solutions

Earlier today we ran a pretty vague story about BMW and some future technology the firm is planning to implement into its next-generation fleet. But, now we've got something a bit more substantial.

Here are just a taste of what BMW has in store for the upcoming bunch of new cars, and from what 00R sees, these are some pretty cool and innovative solutions.

For example, the ILENA sat-nav can calculate the most efficient route(s) for the drivetrain. Hmm, sounds very similar to what we showed you with the MINI E scooter's that debuted in Paris. When you look at the screen it gives you relatively precise calculations with shortcuts, how much your trip cost you in fuel and how certain routes can save you at the pumps. Really nifty stuff.

Next is an upgraded collision avoidance system. Rather than flash lights or vibrate the steering wheel, BMW is going to do something a little different. Using a system of lasers, the avoidance tech is said to automatically "tweak" the steering to prevent an accident. Now that's something I want to try.

Lastly is something that's gotta go under the BMW EfficientDynamics portfolio. A new eight-speed automatic that has a "sail mode." When a driver lifts off the throttle, the transmission shifts into neutral and coasts. You better believe that will make some serious gains in mpg.

**But this is only a TASTE! To hear more in-depth information about BMW's upcoming tech, click "Read Article"


ILENA intelligent sat-nav

This system will suggest three different navigated routes — standard, eco or quick — with previous information about the driver’s style being used to plot the eco one. It can also be used with future hybrid BMWs, to calculate — via 3D mapping — the most efficient route for the drivetrain.


Collision avoidance

Lateral collision avoidance uses all-round laser sensors to automatically tweak the steering to prevent an accident in a narrow lane.


Gearbox ‘sail’ mode

BMW has revealed a new version of the eight-speed autobox equipped with a ‘sail’ mode. If the driver lifts off the accelerator and doesn’t brake, the drivetrain switches into neutral and disconnects.

 

 

[Source: Autocar]








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c36amg - 10/26/2010 4:23:12 AM

+1 Boost

useless...

atc98092 - 10/26/2010 8:53:47 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not sure about the sail mode. Many cars nowadays completely shut off the fuel injection when coasting. Also, if you are counting on the engine braking during a downhill glide, that would be gone. I live on a fairly steep hill, and by shifting into 3ed with my Tiptronic I can coast all the way down at the speed limit without touching the brakes. I am at over 70,000 on the original brake pads, and that would never happen if I had to ride the brakes all the way down.

Agent00R - 10/26/2010 9:10:57 AM

+1 Boost

@atc

70k miles? Well done, sir!

Steve - 10/26/2010 2:31:34 PM

+1 Boost

It seems to me that BMW is busying itself with "look at what I can do" endeavors, some of which aren't well thought out. For example, automatically self-cancelling turn signals with no manual cancel (the computer decides when it's time to cancel the signal, and ONLY the computer. I guess there is a market for such stuff.

JB007 - 10/27/2010 7:18:37 PM

+1 Boost

Absolutely Steve, BMW drivers don't use turn signals.

Joe_Limon - 10/27/2010 9:06:41 PM

+1 Boost

My sister needs turn signals like that. She's horrible for flashing them once and turning them off.