Latest news with #BMWiVentures
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW boosts natural fibres in series models
Following the successful utilisation of renewable raw materials in racing cars, the BMW Group says it will now harness natural fibre composites for its series-production models. BMW maintains it has reached series maturity for natural fibre composites following several years of development and in-depth research. The composites from renewable raw materials can even meet the stringent demands of roof structures in total vehicle homologation. The flax-based lightweight components have been developed in collaboration with Bcomp, a Swiss clean-tech company, for several years now, BMW says. The partnership with Bcomp supports the BMW Group's goal of further reducing CO2 equivalent emissions in future vehicle models. BMW also holds a stake in Bcomp through BMW i Ventures, the company's venture capital arm. Lightweight construction has long been a crucial development field for the BMW Group. The use of natural fibres with a reduced CO2 footprint in composite materials has become increasingly important. Materials tests have demonstrated the fibres' great suitability, especially for visible exterior and interior components. One example BMW sites is exchanging carbon fibre composites for natural fibre composites in the roofs of the next-generation BMW Group portfolio. It says that leads to a CO2 equivalent reduction of around 40% in production plus additional end-of-life considerations. The innovative reinforcement parts made of natural fibre composites were initially used by BMW M Motorsport in the 2019 season of Formula E. Since then, the components have also been successfully used in the BMW M4 DTM and M4 GT4, replacing carbon fibre plastic (CFRP) parts. Since 2022, Bcomp has been an official BMW M Motorsport partner for the BMW M4 GT4. The new lightweight materials will be fitted in the BMW M4 GT4 for the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said: 'Natural fibre composites are a vital element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport, allowing for a reduction in CO2e emissions in the manufacturing process. Natural fibre is an innovation that perfectly exemplifies BMW M's claim 'Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.'. This is why we are delighted to confirm the series maturity of these materials, a breakthrough we achieved with our official BMW M Motorsport partner Bcomp. We are now looking forward to the use of these materials in future BMW M product ranges.' "BMW boosts natural fibres in series models" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
BMW Invented What Comes After Carbon Fiber, And It'll Be in Your Next M Car
The latest car news, reviews, and features. BMW's carbon fiber roof parts will soon be replaced with plant fiber. When the BMW M4 GT4 hits the Nürburgring for its next 24-hour race, it'll be race-testing the same flax-based natural fiber composites. I don't think that means you'll be able to eat your Bimmer (yet), but it should make their construction more environmentally friendly. Visible trim pieces on M cars that have been carbon in the past will start to be replaced with this similar-looking plant stuff. BMW announced this week that its flax-fiber (not the official name) has been 'confirmed for series maturity,' meaning ready for mass production. BMW The German automaker been working with Swiss clean-tech company Bcomp for several years to develop new lightweight composites from renewable raw materials. And while natural fibers have been tested in BMW's racing cars for some time (Formula E in 2019, M4 GT4 and DTM later), the idea is finally making its way to road cars. BMW has a stake in Bcomp through its venture capital arm, called BMW i Ventures. BMW The ultimate goal is to reduce carbon emissions (at a corporate level—not the tailpipe emissions of the individual cars it's fitted to). As the brand states in its release, 'Lightweight construction has long been a crucial development field for the BMW Group. The use of natural fibers with a reduced CO₂e footprint in composite materials has become increasingly important. Materials tests have demonstrated the fibers' great suitability, especially for visible exterior and interior components.' Soon, BMW's going to swap carbon fiber roofs in its road cars for this stuff, claiming that it'll cut corporate emissions by 'around 40% in production.' I'm into it—looks good in these demo photos the company shared. The fiber before it becomes a car part, and then, after. BMW Got a tip? Drop us a line at tips@
