Latest news with #Bcomp
Miami Herald
15 hours 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.
Auto Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants
BMW has developed an all-new material as a more sustainable replacement for carbon fibre, which is now ready for development and set to be used on production cars – including the new electric BMW M3 – within the next few years. Engineered in collaboration with Swiss firm Bcomp, natural-fibre composites offer similar properties to their carbon-fibre counterparts, but emit far less CO2 throughout production. Plus they can be recycled, unlike most forms of carbon-based composites. When developing such materials, the key issue was to ensure they are strong enough to be homologated for use on a car's roof; BMW says that when applied to its next-generation performance car – which we assume means the forthcoming BMW M3 EV – the usage of natural fibre coincides within a reduction of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions by 40 per cent, compared with using carbon fibre. The company says it can also help cut the usage of plastic in the interior by up to 70 per cent, too. Advertisement - Article continues below In appearance, natural fibre looks very similar to its carbon counterpart, with a distinctive weave pattern designed to replicate leaf veins, as well as a dark-grey colour. In fact, it's so similar that you may not have noticed it already being used on BMW's racing cars, including the M4 GT4 and DTM. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below As their name suggests, natural-fibre composites are made from materials such as plants or animal products. In this case, BMW and Bcomp's material is constructed using flax (a flowering plant) fibres that are grown naturally and harvested in Europe. The CEO of BMW M, Franciscus van Meel, said he was 'delighted' by the recent breakthrough, describing the new material as a 'vital element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport, allowing for a reduction in CO2e emissions in the manufacturing process'. 'We are now looking forward to the use of these materials in future BMW M product ranges,' he concluded. This breakthrough comes at a vital time, after the European Union recently drafted legislation to classify carbon fibre as a 'hazardous substance' as part of its ongoing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive. This is because when carbon fibre is disposed of, the tiny particles generated can be an irritant – and even harmful – when inhaled or exposed to human skin. Such particles are also conductive, so have the potential to short-circuit machinery. However, thankfully for the automotive industry, the legislation remains at a draft stage, following the likes of Audi and Mercedes-AMG strongly submitting evidence against it. BMW also appealed to the EU, but the brand's recent investment in alternative materials does suggest it may just be a matter of time before carbon fibre disappears altogether. Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. Search for the latest deals… Find a car with the experts New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
Yahoo
a day 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@
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Skoda Enyaq RS Race unveiled. Is this the future of Skoda's EVs?
The newly showcased Skoda Enyaq RS Race gets a sporty Skoda livery. Notify me Skoda Motorsport has taken the wraps off the latest iteration of its all-electric racing concept, the new Enyaq RS Race, pushing the envelope of performance, sustainability, and motorsport engineering. Building upon the foundations of the first concept shown in 2024, the evolved Skoda Enyaq RS Race is sharper, lighter, and more purpose-built than ever, designed to demonstrate Skoda's technological prowess and eco-conscious ambitions. The Skoda Enyaq RS Race is not just a concept car. It's a rolling laboratory for innovations in electric racing, material sustainability, and performance engineering. It offers a clear signal that future production EVs from the Czech brand may very well be shaped by the lessons learned on the racetrack. Skoda Enyaq RS Race: Specifications Based on the Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS, the RS Race concept has undergone extensive reengineering to suit motorsport use. The latest version is 70 mm lower, 72 mm wider at the front, and 116 mm wider at the rear than its road-going counterpart. Key to its performance upgrade is a massive 316 kg weight reduction, achieved through the use of sustainable materials and the removal of all non-essential components. Skoda engineers have recalibrated the chassis, introduced a completely new high-performance braking system, and added components from the Fabia RS Rally2, like the pedal setup and rally-type hydraulic handbrake. The concept features a linear steering system with rally-specific software tuning, replacing the standard progressive rack-and-pinion setup. Also Read : Skoda Enyaq RS and Enyaq Coupe RS unveiled globally. Here's what the sportier e-SUVs get Skoda Enyaq RS Race: Design A significant part of the RS Race's innovation lies in its material science. The concept uses sustainable biocomposites made with flax fibres developed by Bcomp, a motorsport technology partner, as an alternative to carbon fibre. These are employed across 16 body and interior parts, including bumpers, roof, fenders, dashboard, door panels and more. The flax-based PowerRibs reinforcement structure delivers carbon-like rigidity while cutting CO2 emissions by 85 per cent. Lightweight polycarbonate windows, recycled 3D-printed nylon, and biopolymer filaments further reduce mass and environmental impact. This makes the Enyaq RS Race not just a performance car but a showcase of Skoda's path toward sustainable racing and future production car materials. Skoda Enyaq RS Race: Aerodynamics and motorsport technology Skoda has equipped the RS Race with a comprehensive aerodynamic package, including a large rear wing, NACA air intake, roof winglets, redesigned air intakes, and a new rear diffuser. These elements enhance downforce and cooling while minimising drag and turbulence. The car features carbon-ceramic brakes with ten-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear, paired with a new brake cooling system. Underneath, protective skids shield vital chassis and battery components. Suspension duties are handled by a motorsport-grade setup with fully adjustable compression, rebound, and spring stiffness. Handling is further boosted by limited-slip differentials on both axles. Also Read : Interested in new Skoda Kodiaq? It is now available in dealerships near you Skoda Enyaq RS Race: Powertrain and performance The Enyaq RS Race retains the dual-motor electric powertrain from the standard Enyaq Coupe RS, offering a combined output of 340 bhp. Despite keeping the 180 kmph top speed, the dramatic weight drop enables it to sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in under five seconds, a noticeable improvement over the road car. Skoda Enyaq RS Race: Interior Inside, the cabin is reimagined for motorsport with racing seats, a roll cage, and a minimalist dash. It draws inspiration from the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, incorporating a racing steering wheel, new control switches, and a revised infotainment system. A bespoke drive selector and fire suppression system controls sit between the seats. The experience is further elevated by a specially developed Havas sound system, equipped with a digital amplifier and large speaker units that simulate an emotional racing soundtrack, activated above 30 kmph for a more immersive drive. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date: 11 Jun 2025, 16:04 PM IST
