Lounge How was your day? Anything goes but please keep it PG-13!

BMW introduce Magnetic Tow Technology

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-01-2009, 06:08 AM
  #1  
Contributors
Thread Starter
 
MarcsOnFire's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: 535d M-Sport '06 Plate - Carbon Black - Black Leather - Pro Sat Nav - Logic 7 - HUD - Bluetooth - Privacy Glass - 172M 19" Alloys - Heated Seats - PDC - Adaptive Headlights - Extended Voice Control - Paintshield Extended - M5 Boot Finisher - Bright White LED Internal Lighting - Dension Gateway 500 Ipod/USB/Aux Integration
Default

http://www.businesscar.co.uk/story.asp?sec...c=2&theme=0
Old 04-01-2009, 06:09 AM
  #2  
Contributors
 
Brit_in_NJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: '05 545 Titanium Silver, Black Leather - Nav, Logic 7, Cold weather. Mods: Carbon filter removed. M5 iDrive knob. Umnitza license plate LEDs. MP3 40% 3M tint ACS Anti-Roll(sway) bars RPI Scoop G-tech Pro RR CF Roundels CF Wheel caps
Default

Originally Posted by MarcsOnFire' post='832765' date='Apr 1 2009, 10:08 AM
I always liked Jo King's articles....
Old 04-01-2009, 06:15 AM
  #3  
Super Moderator
 
Rudy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Default

I think everyone should send "Uve" an email using the address at the bottom of the article to learn more about today's announcement...
Old 04-01-2009, 06:16 AM
  #4  
Super Moderator
 
Iceman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: FL
Posts: 18,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: F02 LCI Individual
Model Year: 2013
Default



BMW?s Head of Innovation, Dr Noitt All...
(...)
uve.vollenvorit@bmw.co.uk




They shouldn't make it that easy...
Old 04-01-2009, 06:18 AM
  #5  
Super Moderator
 
Rudy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Default

Originally Posted by Iceman' post='832776' date='Apr 1 2009, 10:16 AM


BMW?s Head of Innovation, Dr Noitt All...
(...)
uve.vollenvorit@bmw.co.uk




They shouldn't make it that easy...
Well you're certainly not helping out much!

(Don't forget that Dr. All is a "specialist in Kinetic Ride And Propulsion" -- or, as industry insiders call it, 'KRAP')
Old 04-01-2009, 06:21 AM
  #6  
Contributors
 
xBMWx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport . Options: Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC. . Mods: Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear . Wheels: 20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
Default

Is this an extension of the "fanny magnet" technology?
Old 04-02-2009, 04:36 AM
  #7  
Super Moderator
 
Rudy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Default

Looks like MINI is in on the action as well...

MINI TO INTRODUCE "PERPETUAL MOTION" MAGNETIC PROPULSION SYSTEM
04/01/2009


* New magnetic system delivers world-leading fuel efficiency to MINI PR0401
* Hundreds, possibly thousands of miles range on a single electric charge
* Drive across the USA in a MINI for just a few dollars
* Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) system is the ultimate range extender

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - April 1, 2009... MINI USA looks set to take a world lead in fuel efficiency with the announcement today (April 1) of a revolutionary magnetic propulsion system that will extend the range of its MINI E to several hundred, possibly even thousands of miles, on a single overnight charge of electricity.

Drawing on the same Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT) which was announced by BMW in the UK today, MINI USA has developed its own unique Propulsion / Repulsion 0401 (PR0401) System that is just one short step away from perpetual motion in an automobile.

MINI?s PR 0401 System uses a series of magnets situated in the MINI E?s moving and fixed parts of each of its four wheel hubs to both pull and push the wheels in the desired direction, exploiting the magnets? natural tendency to attract and repel. Not only does this system allow the MINI PR to travel extraordinary distances for just a few cents, it produces virtually no noise as the electric motor can be switched off once the car is moving.

Professor Lirpa Loof, Head of Magnetic Attraction Technology at MINI USA, said: ?The Mini E is already leading the way in EV performance, reliability and eco-friendliness but this amazing new system will push it onto another level. We could soon be seeing families travel across the USA from coast to coast for just a couple of bucks.?

?The only energy this system uses is a small draw on the battery to start the vehicle moving forward and then the magnets take over and their natural properties do the rest. This has to be the ultimate range extender,? he added. ?Anyone who has played with magnets as a kid or travelled on a Maglev train will understand precisely how this technology works and the kind of performance we are talking about.?

Once moving, only tiny amounts of electric current are required to switch on and off the magnets, as the polarity of the fixed and moving magnets is rapidly switched from positive to negative. The magnets first attract and then quickly repel each other pushing the wheels in the desired direction ? either forward or reverse.

One challenge that Professor Loof faced with the PR system was the speed of the MINI EV PR... and how to control it! The speed at which the magnets attract and repel each other is instantaneous, which means in theory the vehicle is capable of phenomenal speeds, restricted only by the time it takes to switch the magnets? polarity and the wind resistance and drag of the MINI PR?s body. The MINI EV PR development vehicles are currently restricted to a top speed of 250 mph.

?For years, engineers have dreamed of developing perpetual motion for transport,? said Professor Loof, ?And thanks to MINI PR, it looks like we are almost there.?
# # #

Note to editors: BMW announced in the UK today that its award-winning EfficientDynamics programme has been taken to the next level with the announcement of an innovative fuel and emissions saving system called Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT).

The unique system, developed in conjunction with NASA, works via a discreet unit located in the front of the automobile that projects an enhanced magnetic beam 20 metres in front of the BMW. Once a suitable target car is located and the BMW is magnetically locked on behind it, the driver is then able to take his foot off the accelerator, switch off the engine and let the automobile in front do all the work. The towing car will not notice any change in manoeuvrability or forward motion.


MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC which has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group?s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 83 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group?s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Old 04-02-2009, 04:57 AM
  #8  
Contributors
 
xBMWx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 4,186
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport . Options: Sport version (includes: sport-seats, sport-suspension, M-Sport steering wheel, Anthracite headliner, Shaddow Line), Saphire Black, Black Dakota Leather, Anthracite Maple Wood trim, Steptronic Auto, Xenons, NAV-Professional with Voice Control, TV, CD-Changer, Bluetooth, Logic7, Head-up Display, Comfort Access, Seat Heating front, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Extended Auto Air Conditioning, PDC. . Mods: Spacers 5mm front & 15mm rear . Wheels: 20" Alpina Softline (Classic) with Dunlop Sport Maxx non-RFT (255/35/20 & 285/30/20)
Default

...the fun side of being in the BMW and MINI PR departments -- they probably have prizes for the best ideas, like a weekend in a Mini PV with Dr Noitt All !
Old 04-02-2009, 08:27 AM
  #9  
Contributors
 
CWS530's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St. Louis Burbs, USA
Posts: 8,998
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Default

Well, the article was penned by Jo King!
Old 04-02-2009, 09:00 AM
  #10  
Contributors
 
flyingpuck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Thousand Oaks, California
Posts: 11,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills. Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
Default

Originally Posted by CWS530' post='834068' date='Apr 2 2009, 09:27 AM
Well, the article was penned by Jo King!
Was he assisted by his brother Nosmo???
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TroyE60
Private Member Classifieds
9
05-30-2019 05:01 PM
JonathonK
Other BMW Models
0
03-27-2015 08:13 AM
Thomas the Swede
Press Articles & Your Comments
0
09-13-2003 12:22 PM
reckamech
E60 Discussion
1
09-08-2003 01:24 PM
Litster
Dealer Purchasing & Service Forum
2
08-12-2003 11:41 AM



Quick Reply: BMW introduce Magnetic Tow Technology



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:51 AM.