Latest news with #Bavarians
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
BMW's New M Cars May Feature Plant-Based Composites
It seems like everything we used to consider good or tasty is getting some sort of veggie or plant-based alternative. These days, it's impossible to ignore the oat milk, plant-based cheeses, and Impossible meat on the menu at your local coffee shop or neighborhood bistro. Sometimes, those things taste just as good as the real animal-based thing. In today's eco-conscious world, equipping cars with lower-emission engines or electrifying powertrains is simply not enough for some automakers. Some manufacturers are going as far as decking their interiors with reclaimed wood trim, recycled plastics, as well as seats lined with "vegan leather" instead of the kind that comes off the back of a cow. However, the best of BMW's Ultimate Driving Machines are getting a plant-based alternative to a space-age material. In a statement released this week, BMW unveiled a new lightweight material that it claims is a more eco-friendly alternative to carbon fiber. Dubbed 'natural fiber composites,' this new material is made from fibers derived from flax, the same plant used to create textiles like linen and special types of paper, including the ones used in banknotes. The Bavarians claim that this new composite material is stronger than the carbon fiber components it replaces and offers reduced CO2 emissions compared to producing carbon fiber parts. According to BMW, exchanging carbon fiber parts for those made of natural fiber composites in the roofs of next-generation BMW Group vehicles can lead to a CO2 reduction of around 40% in production. After years of research and development and trial runs in motorsport settings, BMW says these natural composites are ready to be used in BMW's road cars. In a statement, Franciscus van Meel, the CEO of the automaker's M division, said that the high-performance specialists "are now looking forward to the use of these materials in future BMW M product ranges;" meaning that the the next-generation M3 and/or M4 may have a flax-roof when it reaches production. The flax-based 'natural fiber composites' were made in collaboration with Swiss clean-tech firm Bcomp, a company the automaker has invested in through BMW i Ventures. BMW and Bcomp developed this eco-friendly space-age material through an experimental development phase over several years. BMW M Motorsport initially used reinforcement parts made with these natural fiber composites in the 2019 season of Formula E. Since then, the same parts have also been used to replace carbon fiber plastic (CFRP) parts in BMW's M4 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) car and the M4 GT4 cars. BMW says that the M4 GT4 that will compete at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring will be equipped with these panels onboard. "Natural fiber composites are a vital element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport," he said. "They allow for a reduction in CO₂e emissions in the manufacturing process. This is innovation that perfectly fits BMW M's identity: 'Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.'" By looking at it, you can convince me or the untrained eye that this "plant-based carbon fiber" is actually carbon fiber. On a more serious note, BMW and Bcomp are making significant strides toward sustainability with the introduction of this new sustainable lightweight material, especially at a time when there is a strong emphasis on creating more environmentally friendly vehicles. Reducing emissions involves more than just improving or removing engines; it requires comprehensive solutions that go beyond simply placing a green badge on cars with electric motors and batteries and calling it a day. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Wirtz to undergo medical checks with Reds on Friday: Report
dpa Berlin Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz is to undergo medical checks with Liverpool on Friday ahead of completing his transfer to the Premier League champions, the online news portal The Athletic reported on Monday. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a fee of 136.3 million euros ($157.9 million) with 117.5 million euros due upfront and a further 18.8 million euros in potential add-ons to sign the Germany international. It represents a club-record purchase for Liverpool and sale for Leverkusen, and would be a British transfer record if the add-ons are achieved. Leverkusen had reportedly set a 150 millioneuros fee for the 22-year-old talent, which Liverpool didn't plan to meet. Wirtz has a contract with Leverkusen until June 2027. He had also been targeted by German champions Bayern Munich, but the Bavarians were informed that he preferred a move to Liverpool.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Wirtz to undergo medical checks with Liverpool on Friday
Germany's Florian Wirtz looks dejected after the UEFA Nations League semi final soccer match between Germany and Portugal at Allianz Arena. Christian Charisius/dpa Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz is to undergo medical checks with Liverpool on Friday ahead of completing his transfer to the Premier League champions, the online news portal The Athletic reported on Monday. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a fee of €136.3 million ($157.9 million) with €117.5 million due upfront and a further €18.8 million in potential add-ons to sign the Germany international. Advertisement It represents a club-record purchase for Liverpool and sale for Leverkusen, and would be a British transfer record if the add-ons are achieved. Leverkusen had reportedly set a €150 million fee for the 22-year-old talent, which Liverpool didn't plan to meet. Wirtz has a contract with Leverkusen until June 2027. He had also been targeted by German champions Bayern Munich, but the Bavarians were informed that he preferred a move to Liverpool.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Rangers ripped apart over flimsy John Brown defence as 49ers fairytale exposed on Hotline
Rangers have vowed to back John Brown to the hilt after the SFA hit the Ibrox club with a notice of complaint for Bomber's corruption ref rant. But rival fans hit back on the Hotline and insist the Light Blues deserve to be in hot water for the comment. Brown blasted the decision to chalk off a ghost goal at Easter Road at 'corrupt' and some callers reckon the legend is lucky not to end up in court never mind getting a Hampden rap. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: 'The hard done by are at it again with Bomber Brown statement. Just to refresh their memories when Brendan Rodgers spoke up about a certain referee he was hauled before the beaks within days.' John J. Scott, Port Glasgow, said: 'Congratulations to Rangers for a marvellous piece of misdirection regarding Brown's comments. ' Rangers saying the goal should have stood is correct. Their claim that it was a bad decision was also correct. 'Brown did not make that claim – he said it was a corrupt decision and that makes it defamation. This is why his employer is being charged for his behaviour while working for them. Also saying other people have done worse things is not a good defence.' But Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: 'Brown – despite freedom of speech laws – says that this was corrupt and he gets charged by the SFA. I am a fan of honest fair play and am saying the SFA are clearly corrupt by charging Brown for a very honest assessment regarding a clearly good goal that was disallowed.' Elsewhere, Rangers fans are excited about their American revolution. But Glen Mitchell emailed: 'When will the followers of the Ibrox Club get real on this 49ers money fantasy? There is no 49ers money, it was a syndicate outwith the 49ers that took them over. 'The 49ers themselves have little interest in a failing, minor soccer club based in Scotland. Their whole identity as a global franchise shares nothing with the Ibrox Club's identity. It's not rocket science to find all this out.' Oh well. Meanwhile Celtic's Nicolas Kuhn is attracting interest. And Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: 'If RB Leipzig are ready to offer £15m for Kuhn, Celtic should bite their hand off. It seemed to me his mind was elsewhere towards the latter part of the season. 'And if Celtic can succeed in bringing in a Swedish international in Benjamin Nygren, I can't remember a player from that country being a failure at Celtic. I certainly remember the best ever, whose name is part of Celtic history.' Craig Campbell, Tollcross, said: 'Celtic should cash in on Kuhn. He spent the second half of the season looking like he was in a huff. He is worth a lot more than £15m though.' Finally, the FIFA Cup World Cup is off to a flier with German big guns Bayern Munich involved in a 10 goal thriller with plucky amateurs Auckland City. It was just a shame the Bavarians scored all 10 of them… Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: 'With Auckland City taking part in the Club World Cup , I have to question the qualifying standard. Next year we will have Slovan Bratislava and Dinamo Zagreb involved.' Ah, we see what he did there.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayern seal deal with Hoffenheim for Bischof to join Club World Cup squad
Bayern seal deal with Hoffenheim for Bischof to join Club World Cup squad Tom Bischof has been cleared to represent Bayern Munich at the upcoming Club World Cup. The Bavarians had already announced that the central midfielder would join on a free transfer from Hoffenheim, with his contract officially beginning on July 1. Advertisement However, according to Kicker, Bayern have now reached an agreement with Hoffenheim on a €300,000 transfer fee that allows the 19-year-old to join the squad early and take part in the tournament. The fee could increase through bonus payments if Bayern perform well in the competition, the report adds. Bischof, 19, made his senior debut for Germany in Sunday's 2–0 defeat to France.
