Latest news with #FranciscusvanMeel
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.
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Track-ready BMW M2 ditches S58 straight 6 for 4-cylinder engine
BMW has whipped the wraps off the M2 Racing, a track-ready version of the Bavarian brand's venerable performance-focused compact coupé designed for private racing teams. Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! Positioned as an 'entry-level' racer for customer racing outfits, BMW M's latest M2 Racing is based on the current M2. Yet, as opposed to employing the latter M car's (353kW/600N.m) S58 3l turbocharged inline-six, the track-focused model is equipped with the Bavarian brand's 2l turbocharged four-pot. The B48 unit produces 230kW and 420N.m of torque, sent to the road via a seven-speed, ZF-sourced transmission. As a reminder, the M2's six-pot is coupled with BMW's eight-speed M Steptronic unit. The German marque's motorsport department claims these figures are good to allow for a top speed exceeding 270km/h. Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring While down on power compared with the M Steptronic-equipped M2, it is worth noting that the race-ready variant weighs considerably less; tipping the scales at a claimed 1 498kg — a saving of 232kg. This has been achieved thanks to the fitment of several lightweight items, including a carbon-fibre roof. The M2 Racing is brought to a halt by a set of standard-fitment M Compound brakes, replete with M-specific brake pads, front and rear, and cooling setup. The callipers are housed within 18-inch forged alloy rims, wrapped in Goodyear rubber. Further mechanical revisions include upgrades to the chassis and fitment of a KW suspension arrangement, replete with adjustable fore and aft anti-roll bars. Related: Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Performance Car – BMW M2 Said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH: 'With the introduction of the BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition… Like its predecessors — the BMW M235i Racing, BMW M240i Racing and BMW M2 CS Racing – the new BMW M2 Racing will redefine the entry-level segment. The car is affordable, while offering racing teams and drivers uncompromising performance, durability and pure driving pleasure.' So, how much can you expect to pay for the M2 Racing? In short, €98 000, which, at the current Rand-Euro exchange rate, translates to just over R2 060 000, making it around R500 000 more expensive than the M car it is based on. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post Track-Ready BMW M2 Ditches S58 Straight Six for Highly Strung Four-Cylinder Engine appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
