Dual voltage power supply system with 48 volts (BMW presentation)

As convened, here is a snapshot of Ottmar Sirch's presentation on 48 volt. This paper is scheduled during CESA 2012.
As an introduction, our expert from BMW reminds that the continuous increase of functionality for comfort, safety, driver assistance and infotainment systems as well as the insertion of innovations raise the requirements. In combination with the electrification of powertrain functions and ancillary units for CO2 reductions these requirements drive today´s vehicle power supply to its limits.

Then, Mr Sirch gives examples : Start-Stop-Function, Brake Energy Recuperation und electrification of mechanical driven systems as well as superpositioning of high power loads. The demand of electric energy and power as well as the cycling of accumulators have increased significantly.

In the future, OEMS will need High Power Recuperation (> 5 kW), Extended Start-Stop-Functions, E-Assist/E-Boost, eTurboCharge, as well as Electrification of ancillary units (electric climate compressor, electrification of chassis control systems) and new functions (front screen heating, electrohydraulic valve control)

As a conclusion, displacing all high power loads and implementation of new high power functions can reduce the requirements to the DC/DC converter and the 12-V-battery significantly.

Ottmar Sirch (BMW) to discuss 48 volt at CESA 2012

CESA speaker

Top expert from BMW, Ottmar Sirch will make a presentation on 48 volt in Paris, during CESA 2012. He's focusing on dual voltage as the responsible for the Predevelopment of Vehicle Electrical Power Supply Systems.
In Munich, the predevelopment projects cover all subjects of electrical power supply in vehicles with combustion engines as well as Hybrid and Electric vehicles.
Mr Sirch came to SIA office in Suresnes, near Paris to share his vision for 48 v, a few days ago.

The presentation has been attended by Gérard Maniez (Freescale), Guy Convenant (Valeo), Uwe Dausch (Valeo), Jean-Yves Stineau (Renault), Oliver Nass (ESG Group), Daniel Benchetrite (Valeo), Gérard Saint-Léger (Renault), Dominique Lenoir (Renault), Franck Briault (PSA Peugeot Citroën), Eric Dequi (PSA Peugeot Citroën), Thierry Seynaeve (ESG Group) and Jean-François Léon (Valeo).

Who is Ottmar Sirch ? 
Since 11 years, he is Project Manager in the Electrics/Electronics Department at the Center of Research and Development. He was responsible for the HVAC Control Electronics of the 1 series and 3 series from 2001 to 2005. In 2005 he took over the responsibility for predevelopment of hybrid vehicle power supply systems for the 1st and 2nd generation. Since 4 years now, he's Project Manager for Predevelopment.

Resume 
Ottmar Sirch received his Dipl.-Ing. Univ. degree in Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Munich in 1985. During his main study period he focused on semiconductor technologies. He did his Dipl.-Ing. thesis on CMOS Latch-up in 1985. Afterwards he was working 16 years in the semiconductor industry at Siemens Semiconductor Group (from 1999 Infineon Technologies) in several fields and positions (CMOS technology development for VLSI-Logic, Physical Failure Analysis of Integrated Ciruits for Quality and Reliability Strategic and Technical Sales and Marketing for Automotive Semiconductors) He joined BMW Group in 2001.

Other 
Additionally, Ottmar Sirch is chairing the conference “Electrics/Electronics in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and electrical Energy Management” of Haus der Technik e.V. Essen since 2008.

Next, we will give some details about BMW's vision on 48 v.

BMW et PSA launch BPCE in Paris

This evening, in Paris, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën have made an official presentation of BPCE. This joint venture stands for BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification.
The development and production spectrum of this new company comprises all relevant components for electric powertrains, such as high-voltage batteries, electric motors, generators, power electronics, loading units and energy management software.
This joint venture will enable both partners to create an open platform on these technologies and support the European industry to structure itself in the field of hybridization. To that end, the joint venture will be a full-fledged company and will both integrate suppliers by outsourcing development work as well as sell hybrid components to third parties.
The new company will be operating out of two locations - the greater Munich area, Germany and Mulhouse, France. 400 employees are already working at BPCE, including 50 french people. The new hybrid components will equip both partners' vehicles from 2015 onwards. The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën have invested more than 100 million EUR in their joint venture on hybrid technology.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix raises $200,000 for charity

Being a Pittsburgh based car guy and racing fan. I brag about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix throughout the year. Not only do I show cars and participate in the events, but I also serve as a member of the Car Show Committee. Be it the car shows, the races, the fun of enjoying a nice weekend in the park, what ever fits your fancy, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has a little bit of everything. The best though is that ALL proceeds from the PVGP events benefit two awesome charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. This year, the PVGP set a new record, donating $200,000 to both charities at the recent "Victory Lap" check presentation ceremony. Representatives from the PVGP, event sponsors, car manufacturers, and participating car clubs were on hand at the Allegheny Valley School's campus for tours, a checkered flag waving and Terrible Towel wave (Myron Cope, inventor of the Terrible Towel sat on the board of AVS and the PVGP, and sales benefit AVS also). Each charity will benefit equally, receiving $100,000 each. This money will be used to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.95 million dollars for both charities, with no signs of stopping.

For more information on how you can donate to the PVGP, volunteer or find out about the 2012 event, please visit http://www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com

Charity Ambassadors representing each charity;  Anita Iyengar -Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $200,000 check. 

left to right: PVGP Showside Director Bob Speer, Shop 'n Save's Rich Haeflein, Autism Society's Dan Torisky and PVGP Race Director Rocky Farrar with the 2011 check for $200,000.

Datsun 510: Against All Odds

This very cool vintage film has been brought to our attention. In 1971 Datsun was locked in battle in the Trans American Challenge series with cars built by legend Peter Brock of BRE and piloted by John Morton and Mike Downs to win the 10 race series. This film shot by Datsun and the Sports Car Club of America has rarely been seen in recent years. and chronicles the 1971 season.

This is a great bit of racing history to watch Datsun duke it out against Alfa Romeo, BMW, Fiat and Volvo. It's just a tad under a half hour long and makes for something good to watch during your lunch break. Enjoy!

Super Bowl 43 Ad Watch: Audi A6: The Getaway

Audi was in prime form at this years Super Bowl with the highly anticipated Getaway commercial. The ad features everything you could want from a car ad. Chases, cool cars, baddies, and of course premier wheelman Jason Statham.

We start off in the mid 70s trying to get away in a plenty powerful Mercedes 6.3, only to end up blasted by a dumpester and a Lincoln Towncar. Jump to Miami Vice style 1980s with a bright red BMW 5 series and a black Bandit Trans Am, and a Mouse is loose billboard. Thankfully Audi left the 90s well enough alone with a Lexus ES parked outside a theater playing Tommy Boy. You have to love Staham's disgusted face when he sees the Lexus. Next we jump to 2009 in all Statham's Driver glory in his trademark black suit. Swipe the keys from the valet played by Joaquin Garay III(Paco from Herbie Goes Bananas for you car guys). And off we go with baddies on motorcycles. Finally able to get away thanks to the new supercharged Audi A6. Hollywood at its best.



As an added bonus, we're throwing in the Audi R8 Godfather commercial from the 2008 Superbowl.

Chicago area tourist attraction offered on eBay

Just about everyone has seen images of the Berwyn Car Spindle statue on their tv screen while watching Wayne's World. For the last 20 or so years, the statue in the parking lot of Cermak Plaza Shopping Center near Chicago has been entertaining shoppers, movie buffs and car enthusiasts alike. The statue by artist Dustin Shuler contains 8 cars stacked on top of one another looking as though they are stuck on a giant nail.

Now a Walgreens(as if we DON'T have enough of those around) is going to take the place of the landmark statue. So Cermak Plaza owners have decided to auction the statue off via eBay. That way atleast there is the possibility to have the Spindle live on in another location. Auction Link

For a starting bid of $50,000 you can own this one of a kind piece of history. Though shipping the item, may be a bit of a challenge. That is unless of course you own an 18 wheeler car hauler.

Artist Dustin Shuler, who built the piece in 1989, calls the dismantling "painful" and "a loss for Chicago." "Personally, I would have moved the Walgreens and left the Spindle where it is," he said.

The Spindle is made up of the following cars. 1967 VW Beetle, 1976 BMW 2002, 1981 Ford Escort, 1974 Mercury Capri, 1978 Ford Mustang, 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1980 Ford LTD and a 1981 Mercury Grand Marquis.

Should the name Shuler ring a bell with some of the VW enthusiasts. Dustin Shuler is brother to none other than VW historian and author Terry Shuler.

Source: eBay, via Jalopnik.com

BMW running at 100% capacity, suppliers up in arms

Everything at BMW is running full steam ahead. All 23 of their production facilities worldwide are running at 100% capacity. It's come to the point that BMW has actually criticized their suppliers for having a better bottom line than BMW. BMW currently is pushing a 10% profit margin.

In an effort to become more cost effective. BMW is now starting to produce components in house. Rather than rely on suppliers. Current facilities in Leipzig and Regensburg are undergoing expansion. An entirely new Leipzig stamping facility will be built in 2009.

The statements made by BMW's deputy chairman of the supervisory board, Manfred Scoch to the suppliers. Many are displeased with how BMW thinks they are treating them. All of this dissatisfaction has led the suppliers to feel that BMW has shifted its focus from quality and innovative technology to the bottom line.

Source: Automotive News

Chrysler says it can meet new CAFE standards

Chrysler LLC is readily welcoming thew new CAFE standards with open arms. When it happens of course.

"We will" cooperate rather than fight the anticipated increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standard," Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli told TheCarConnection.com Wednesday. "We'll have to obviously accelerate significantly our investment in technology to get there," said Nardelli.

Some of the technology being used is a new two mode hybrid system that was jointly developed and engineered by BMW, General Motors, and Daimler. Chrysler's former German parent company.

Chrysler is looking to recent help from the United Auto Workers(UAW) and their agreement to take over Chryslers heft healthcare costs. This helped to free up a large amount of cash. This will allow for Chrysler to invest $500 million dollars in product development.

Source. The Car Connection.

European autos have resale edge over domestics

Recent surveys show that the Detroit Big Three are starting to lose footing on their vehicles resale values. Kelly Blue Book is saying that the top five brands with the best overall predicted resale value are Volkswagen, BMW, Honda, Acura, and Porsche. The rest of the Top Ten are Lexus, Subaru, Toyota, Infiniti, and Audi. Of course, none of these are Big Three domestics. Many of those brands made up the 1o worst picks for resale value for 2008.

Why the big turn? Simple. Over production. The Big Three lean towards overproducing their vehicles. Then they slap on huge discounts and rebates. Those combined with the over abundant supply of Taurus, Impala, and Stratus fleet and rental cars. Helps to absolutely destroy the resale value of those cars.

Volkswagen is the surprise comeback kid on the survey list. They have steadily grown over the last 5 years. Thanks to big boosts in quality, fuel efficiency, European styling, and exceptional value.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

LA 2007: 2008 Mini Clubman. A bigger Cooper

We here at AAM fell in love the Mini Cooper when it was launched in 2000. With the face lift of the Mini this year, BMW announced a new Clubman wagon. We saw concepts of the new Mini wagon last year at Detroit and were very impressed.

The new Mini Clubman takes a page from Minis history. This is a modern rendition of the classic Morris Mini Traveler, Austin Mini Countryman, and the Mini Clubman Estate.

What makes the Clubman unique is its 5 door set up. While it may look like a two door wagon, there is a conventional drivers door and passenger door. With the addition of a 3rd door on the passenger side. Then of course rather than a tailgate, the rear is opened wide via two more doors. Overall the Clubman is only 9.45 inches longer than the standard Mini. With a wheelbase extended 3.15 inches longer. This allows for a great deal more rear seat legroom for the backseat.

Performance will be up to Minis well known standards. Powered by a 1.6 Liter 4 cylinder capable of 120 HP. A Clubman S will also be offered with a turbocharged 1.6 Liter with 175 HP.

The new Mini Clubman will go on sale starting in February with a MSRP of $20,600. And the Mini Cooper Clubman S starting at $24,100.

PRESS RELEASE:

NEW MINI CLUBMAN MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

New Member of MINI Family Offers Flexibility, Fun and PerformanceWoodcliff Lake, NJ - November 14, 2007... The 2008 MINI Clubman, an all-new addition to the MINI model line, has just made its North American debut today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, bowing to the audience most unconventionally, with its rear-end first! With a little more room in the back and an innovative door configuration, the eagerly anticipated MINI Clubman defies convention in its concept and style. This all new addition to the MINI family will go on sale in the US February 16th, 2008 as both a Cooper and a Cooper S model. The MINI Cooper Clubman will be offerd with a MSRP of $20,600, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman will come with a MSRP of $24,100. Both prices include a $650 Destination charge.

The MINI Clubman paves the way into a totally-new market segment, offering new opportunities for the MINI brand and showcasing, yet again, MINI's leadership in the premium small car segment. With its hallmark design elements, the MINI Clubman is clearly a MINI from every angle. Yet it is the MINI Clubman's unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family and make it unlike anything else on the road today.

Compelling Design and Five Doors in a Brand-New Configuration.

MINI is well known for its combination of successful attributes - a truly unique design; agile driving characteristics; premium quality; a high level of safety; a wide range of customization options, and outstanding efficiency. Now the all-new MINI Clubman offers another compelling attribute - an additional 9.45 inches in body length and wheelbase extended by 3.15 inches that helps create more space in the rear legroom area. What makes the MINI Clubman truly unique is its innovative five door configuration with the conventional driver's and front passenger's door supplemented by an additional rear-hinged door on the right-hand side of the car and the two split-rear doors in the back.

The MINI Clubman extends an open welcome to rear-seat passengers with the "Clubdoor", a rather ingenious door configuration on the right side of the vehicle. The Clubdoor swings open in the opposing direction relative to the main passenger door to dramatically increase the access to the rear seating area. Behind the front seats, the new MINI Clubman offers remarkable rear seating comfort and flexible use of space. Rear seat passengers now enjoy 3.15 inches more legroom compared to the MINI hardtop. Without an exterior handle, the Clubdoor is integrated unobtrusively into the body design of the MINI Clubman and for safety, can only be opened with the adjoining front door open. The MINI Clubman comes to the US in a four passenger configuration.

The split-rear doors at the back of the MINI Clubman are another unique design element of the MINI Clubman and open up to offer easy and convenient access for larger parcels and equipment such as sports gear. In addition to increased functionality, the split-rear doors represent a modern interpretation of an authentic detail seen on MINI's classic forerunners. The rear doors are further highlighted with the C-pillars painted in a contrasting silver or black finish. Inside, the generous luggage compartment may be further extended with a flexible rear seat configuration, offering very easy and convenient loading options thanks to the two rear doors.

The MINI Clubman is the modern successor to the legendary classics Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate. However, the MINI Clubman retains all the functionality, handling and performance characteristics that one expects in a thoroughly modern MINI.

Enhanced Function With MINI Performance and Driving Characteristics.

MINI has developed the new MINI Clubman specifically for the active and passionate individualist wishing to consciously stand out. The MINI Clubman retains its sporting character, while offering new and flexible options in interior use and practical value. Despite its slightly longer proportions the MINI Clubman retains MINI's typical "wheels at the four corners" stance and the car's driving characteristics still offer the legendary go-kart feeling unique to MINI.

The MINI Clubman will be available in the U.S. with two different engines:

* Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct gasoline injection and maximum output of 175 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm, the MINI Cooper S Clubman offers the highest level of performance.

* The MINI Cooper Clubman, benefiting from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder developing 120 hp at 6,600 rpm and featuring fully variable valve management, offers impressive performance and economy.

More Than 40 Color Combinations for the Individualist

Motoring in a MINI is more than just getting from A to B - it is an expression of ones' lifestyle - a genuine attitude towards life. In particular, it is the focus on the enjoyment and experience of driving combined with an appreciation of powerful, trendsetting design. The MINI Clubman offers the enthusiast even greater options in personalizing his or her style, with more than 40 combinations of the exterior paintwork alone. Add to that the full compliment of options and features and the possible combinations a MINI Clubman can be configured becomes almost limitless.

Source: MINI

BMW gives the 6 series a facelift and new pricing

BMW released a lengthy press release on the new revised 650I, so we'll cu to the chase and layout some of the more interesting details.

The only major upgrades outside are the restyled front end, and LED tail lamps. Inside you will have the choice of a Sport Automatic transmission which has the addition of paddle shifters, matched with a sport button for even quicker shifting for spirited driving. The shifter is now shift by wire. A system very similar to that in use on the 5 series.

The interior has been revised with new leathers, brushed aluminum panels and revised iDrive. A new Active Cruise Control has been developed that can work in dense traffic and can handle the car coming to a complete stop and resuming to its pre set speed from 0MPH. A new sport package will also be available with upgraded handling, and wheel options.

Power comes from a 4.8 liter V8 engine with 360 Hp. Up from this years 4.4 liter V8 with 325 Hp.

Source: BMW

AC Schnitzer gets their hands on the new BMW M3

Germany's AC Schnitzer is no stranger to the world of high performance tuners for BMW. And the new M3 is just as hot. So it was just a matter of time before they got their hands on one to customize. New body panels around the lower edge of the car, alloy wheels and special badging identify the car as an AC Schnitzer.

The performance figures and details of exactly what was done to the car have not been released yet. The AC Schnitzer M3 will its public debut for the first time at the Essen Motor Show in Germany. So we should see more info on this exciting Bimmer soon.

Source: motorauthority.com

BMW 1 Series tii concept. The 2002 will rise again!

Ahead of its official unveiling in Tokyo, 1Addicts has obtained photos and the official press release on the BMW Concept 1 Series tii. Painted Alpine White with black stripes and accented with black and blue elements, this design study gives us an idea of what BMW has in store for us when the new 1 Series arrives. BMW has chosen to entice enthusiasts' by resurrecting the tii label used on the BMW 2002.

The 1 Series tii has a lightened body thanks to the use of carbon fiber on the hood and other trim pieces like the rear diffuser insert, mirror covers, gurney flap, and intakes on the front air dam. Both the front and rear bumpers and the side sills are new designs, and are exclusive to the tii. The suspension has been worked over too, giving the car the right stance. Followed up by 18 inch split-spoke wheels to finish off the tii. On the inside, BMW makes use of black alcantara, with white accents on the seats and steering wheel. BMW made the tachometer the central focus on the instrument cluster by making it white-faced. The press release makes no mention of the actual performance upgrades to the car. Though knowing BMW, it will be quite a little barn stormer.

(Source: BMW & Autoblog.com)