Tag Archives: filings

Motorsport

BMW iM3 Trademark Hints At High-Performance EV

BMW might be preparing to launch a high-performance electric car called the iM3, according to trademark filings in Europe.

Records from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Germany’s Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt (DPMA) indicate that BMW has applied for the iM3 mark. However, similar filings have not been found with the US Patent and Trademark Office, and the European filings are currently pending approval. We have reached out to BMW for more details and will provide an update if we receive a response.


Motorsport

BMW 5 Series Touring Renderings Imagine Wagon’s Next-Gen Design

Recently, trademark filings provided a glimpse of the design of the next-generation BMW 5 Series Touring wagon. Though the grayscale photos lacked detail, they showcased the variant’s overall styling, which closely resembled the 5 Series sedan that was introduced in May.

Unofficial renderings have now added some color to the trademark photos. These renderings depict a stylish wagon in the M Performance guise, featuring sportier bumpers and appropriate badging.

The main difference in the renderings is the design of the bumpers. The front bumper highlights prominent black trim around the lower grille opening, which is particularly pronounced in the M Performance version. The outboard intakes also include additional glossy black trim.

At the rear, a sporty bumper appliqué covers the rear marker lights in triangular shapes, resembling the M Performance-badged sedan. The wagon also appears lower on its suspension, indicating its sportier nature, and is likely to be larger than the current-generation model. The 5 Series sedan grew by 3.4 inches in length and 1.3 inches in width, improvements that should enhance the wagon’s cargo capacity.

a wide range of powertrain options will be available for the BMW 5 Series. In the US, the entry-level 530i sedan comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 540i, only available with all-wheel drive, is equipped with a straight-six engine that produces 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

BMW plans to offer a full-fledged M variant for the 5 Series Touring. Spy photographers have spotted test mules at the Nurburgring. While the powertrain details remain undisclosed, indications suggest it may borrow the hybrid powertrain found in the XM SUV. This electrified V8 engine delivers 735 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, and it is expected that the wagon will have a power output of 718 hp.

The next-generation BMW 5 Series Touring is expected to debut either by the end of this year or in early 2024. The launch of the M5 Touring is likely to follow, as BMW has a history of staggering the release of new models and variants.

Motorsport

Ford Stand-Up Driving Patent Is Latest In A Year Of Interesting Ideas

Patent filings by automakers are not a guarantee that the ideas will become reality. This holds true for Ford as well, as they frequently file patents that may not materialize. However, a recent patent filing by Ford about a stand-up driving position has caught attention.

The patent, filed in 2021 and published recently, shows a depiction of a Bronco with a driver positioned at the windshield pillar. But the actual application of this system is not as extreme as it appears. The primary purpose is to control the vehicle from a standing position, using sensors on the windshield frame. In theory, controls could also be placed in other locations to provide better visibility for the driver in off-road situations. This system could be particularly useful when there is no spotter to assist the driver in navigating tricky obstacles.

The second aspect of this patent involves the use of sensors to detect whether a driver is present in the vehicle, not just sitting in the seat. This can affect the operation of convenience and safety systems in the vehicle, such as shifting to park if a driver is not detected. Safety measures are incorporated into the system, with certain functionality limited to specific modes and low speeds.

Ford Drive-In Movie Patent

This stand-up driving patent is just one of many interesting ideas Ford has filed in recent times. They have also filed patents for gullwing doors on SUVs, systems to detect oncoming trains, a drive-in movie mode that adjusts the rear suspension for a better view, and even a controversial patent that allows a third party to lock owners out of their vehicles if they fall behind on payments.

Whether any of these patents will become a reality in production vehicles remains to be seen. Only time will tell.