Tag Archives: outstanding

Ford boss Lisa Brankin wins high award at Autocar Great Women Awards 2024

All of this 12 months’s excellent winners are listed under.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw mentioned: “Lisa Brankin is deeply impressive as Ford’s UK boss, keeping the brand in the fight for top spots while transitioning it into a new era – both with electric passenger cars and with its growing commercial vehicle arm. This shows why she is so highly valued by the global brand and why she herself is so influential within the industry.”

Chair of the judging panel and managing director of Haymarket Automotive, Rachael Prasher, mentioned: “It is a joy to see Autocar Great Women continue to grow, both the number of women working in the industry and their seniority. Our ambition when we launched Great Women eight years ago was to shine a spotlight on individuals, roles and businesses so that others could be inspired to choose automotive as a career. This year, more than ever, our Autocar Great Women do just that.”

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes mentioned: “More women are driving success in the UK automotive industry than ever before, making this year’s judging tougher but even more inspiring than the last. Congratulations to all the winners, who represent the very best talent in the industry. At a critical moment in the zero-emission and automated vehicle transition, these Great Women – from engineer to boardroom executive and every discipline in between – instil massive confidence for the future. Diversity brings proven benefits to businesses and industry must strive to recruit top-calibre people from all backgrounds – a journey that will ultimately benefit everyone.”

This 12 months’s occasion, held at Stellantis’s Coventry HQ, included quite a few audio system, talks and interviews from: Alison Jones, senior vice chairman, world round economic system, Stellantis; Geraldine Ingham, world managing director, Range Rover, JLR; Sam Sterry, group gross sales director, Europcar Mobility Group; Sophia Flörsch, Formula 3 driver, Alpine Academy; and Colonel Hannah Stoy, chief of employees to the assistant chief of the defence employees (folks functionality). 

A panel debate was additionally held, that includes: Maria Grazia Davino, group managing director, Stellantis UK; Michelle Roberts, advertising and marketing director, BMW Group UK; and Nic Johnson, folks director, Centre of Excellence, Bentley.

RED DOT AWARD 2024: PEUGEOT E-3008 IS A WINNER

PEUGEOT has as soon as once more been offered with the Red Dot Award for excellent design: the brand new PEUGEOT E-3008 impressed the worldwide professional panel of 39 judges within the “Product Design” class with its dynamic fastback silhouette, new modernised entrance finish and intensive options. The predecessor of the PEUGEOT 3008 additionally obtained the Red Dot Award in 2017. This was the ninth time that PEUGEOT has obtained this coveted design award.

Matthias Hossann, Design Director at PEUGEOT: “I am delighted that the new design of the PEUGEOT E-3008 has been recognised with the Red Dot Design Award. The PEUGEOT E-3008 combines the ingenuity and tenacity of PEUGEOT and epitomises all of our brand values. Reinventing the PEUGEOT 3008 meant modernising its image and harmonising dynamic design and optimum efficiency using a fastback silhouette. This award proves that our team’s creativity has paid off.”

New entrance finish, floating rear spoiler and high-quality, fashionable options

The PEUGEOT E-3008 stands out as a consequence of its new, fashionable and environment friendly exterior design. Chrome parts have been eliminated in favour of painted ones: Meteor Grey on the entrance and rear bumper, Orbital Black on the mirror caps and decrease part.

A brand new entrance finish was designed for the PEUGEOT E-3008, which features a full redesign of the headlights and radiator grille centred across the PEUGEOT emblem. The color gradient seamlessly integrates these options into the bodywork. The compact headlights with new Pixel LED expertise (normal for GT) are housed in a slim, trendy trim and routinely regulate the sunshine beam to the street situations, making certain optimum visibility.

The feline traces of the PEUGEOT E-3008 replicate the balanced dimensions of the car, which is without doubt one of the most compact within the all-electric SUV C-segment class, whereas nonetheless providing loads of house for passengers and baggage.

The best-selling mannequin from the long-lasting lion model stands out with its fastback SUV design: the standard hatchback line has been modernised with a “floating” spoiler, which reinforces the silhouette of the physique and optimises aerodynamics. The beneficiant rear finish of the brand new PEUGEOT E-3008 incorporates a dynamic design, which is accentuated by the three-claw gentle signature. The new PEUGEOT E-3008 is offered within the new color Obsession Blue with a refined reflective high quality, in addition to in Ingaro Blue, Okenite White, Perla Nera Black, Artense Silver and Titanium Grey.

The new PEUGEOT E-3008 is the primary mannequin from the model to be outfitted with the brand new PEUGEOT Panorama i-Cockpit®. The floating 21-inch HD curved panoramic show creates an thrilling and complex visible impact on board and integrates the digital instrument cluster and the big central touchscreen. The LED ambient lighting could be customised utilizing eight totally different colors and is mirrored by a chic ornamental trim manufactured from actual aluminium that extends throughout the dashboard and over the doorways.

The 2024 Red Dot Award

In 2024, merchandise submitted from 60 nations had been assessed in 51 competitors classes. The jury members granted the “Red Dot” or “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award primarily based on the 4 qualities of fine design in addition to the respective socio-cultural background, skilled focus and design experience. Products weren’t judged in competitors with each other however on their particular person deserves.

About the Red Dot Award

For over 60 years, the Red Dot Award has rewarded revolutionary design within the “Product Design”, “Communication Design” and “Design Concept” classes. Once a yr, the merchandise, communications initiatives, design ideas and prototypes submitted are appraised by a global jury comprising recognised specialists from totally different specialist fields. https://www.red-dot.org/

New Ford Explorer: sub-£40k begin worth and 374 miles of vary

Sander mentioned that determine is “outstanding in this segment” and a testomony to how Ford has used the additional half a 12 months of improvement time “very, very effectively to keep working on the vehicle and making the vehicle better”. 

That headline vary determine is achieved by the single-motor Extended Range automotive, priced from £45,875 and fitted with a 77kWh battery – matching the capability of the Volkswagen ID 4 and Skoda Enyaq with which it shares its MEB structure and rear-mounted 282bhp ‘AP550’ motor. 

The twin-motor four-wheel-drive Explorer, which makes use of the 335bhp powertrain from Volkswagen’s GTX-badged sporting EVs, makes use of a barely bigger 79kWh battery (which has simply been made obtainable on the Volkswagen ID 3 and Cupra Born) to crack 329 miles.

Maximum charging speeds are put at 135kW and 185kW respectively – the latter giving a theoretical 10-80% top-up time of simply 26 minutes.  

Ford places the rear-driven Explorer’s 0-62mph time at 6.4sec and the stronger 4WD variant’s at simply 5.3sec – faster, it highlights, than a Ford Focus ST.

The range-topper may also tow a great deal of as much as 1200kg. 

A lower-powered Standard Range automotive, with a 168bhp rear motor, a smaller 52kWh battery and a most charging pace of 125kW, shall be added to the line-up in the end, taking the worth all the way down to £39,875. 

Sander mentioned that whereas the Explorer touts vary and on-paper efficiency figures that stand it in good stead in opposition to rivals, it is simply as essential that the EV adheres to Ford’s trademark dynamic values, and this was a precedence throughout improvement. 

“We are known for sporty and dynamic driving performance and behaviour,” he mentioned. “Just a couple of weeks ago, my team and I had a comprehensive test of electric vehicles where we drove the Explorer along with all its competitors. And it’s really amazing to see that this vehicle has a very distinct character. It’s comfortable because it’s a vehicle for every day, but it’s got the the driving dynamics you would expect from a Ford.”

Why The Triumph Rocket 3 Reigns Supreme In The Realm Of Muscle Cruisers

Summary

  • Triumph Rocket 3 emerges because the winner with excellent horsepower and torque, outclassing its rivals.
  • Ducati Diavel V4 is eradicated for low torque, regardless of light-weight and sportbike options.
  • Yamaha VMax falls brief in torque in opposition to the would possibly of the Triumph Rocket 3, the last word muscle cruiser.

Big, powerful cruisers come and go. They make their mark in numerous methods, however there’s one who has defeated a deep pool of contenders and reigns because the King of the Muscle Cruiser. For years now, this one machine has continued to set the requirements for others to comply with. And though this muscle cruiser stands atop a heap of contenders, some have been fairly memorable. We’ll undergo a few of the high muscle cruiser stars and inform you why one muscle cruiser comes out because the winner.

Weapons For The Battle

To begin the muscle cruiser battle, we’ve to know which weapons every bike is bringing to this shootout. For this comparability, let’s try every bike’s claimed specs.

Make

Engine

Horsepower

Torque (pound-ft)

Drive prepare

Claimed Dry Weight (kilos)

Ducati Diavel V4 GT

V4 / 1158cc

168

93

Chain

465

Harley-Davidson FXDR

V-twin / 1868cc

78.7

119

Belt

668

Triumph Rocket 3

Inline Triple / 2,500cc

179

165

Shaft

641

Yamaha VMax

V4 / 1,673cc

173

112.8

Shaft

560

All 4 muscle cruisers listed on this comparability have their very own strengths and weaknesses. So, let’s take a fast take a look at a few of the finest and worst traits of those machines.

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In order to provide the latest and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Ducati, Triumph, Yamaha, and Harley-Davidson.

The Best And The Worst

The very first thing that many riders take a look at is the bike’s horsepower score. Here, the Triumph Rocket 3 is the winner, with a startling 179 horses on faucet. And all that horsepower was delivered with a easy and melodic sound.

The Harley-Davidson FXDR 114

Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 in action.
 Harley-Davidson

Lying on the backside of the horsepower rankings is the Harley-Davidson FXDR. With a mere 78.7 claimed horsepower on faucet, the FXDR has practically 100 horsepower lower than its rivals.

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The Triumph Rocket 3 GT

A parked silver Triumph Rocket 3 GT
Triumph

But torque is what will get you from cease mild to cease mild quickest, and the Triumph Rocket 3’s three cylinders blast greater than 165 pound-feet of torque out of its three exhaust stacks. The score ensures that the Rocket 3 is the chief in torque output of all mass-produced bikes.

The Ducati Diavel V4

2023 Ducati Diavel V4 in Ducati Red
Ducati

Finally, light-weight is a key contributor to a motorcycle’s general efficiency. The extra lard the machine has to hold, the extra it impacts the flexibility of the bike to speed up and cease. It additionally impacts how effectively a motorcycle handles. Extra weight can get in the best way of fast and easy dealing with. In this group of rivals, the Ducati Diavel V4 is the clear champ, weighing in at 465 kilos, which is almost 100 kilos lighter than its nearest competitor.

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10 Most Badass Heavyweight Cruisers

Heavy on the dimensions, light on the road

Chain vs. Shaft vs. Belt

Interestingly, these huge muscle cruisers transmit their energy to the asphalt in numerous methods. Two of our 4 trip with shaft drives, together with the Triumph Rocket 3 and the Yamaha VMax. The upside of the shaft drive is little to no upkeep. There’s no want to wash and lubricate like a series; it just about permits you to flip the throttle and go.

The draw back to shaft drive is a phenomenon known as shaft jacking. It can intrude with the bike’s dealing with when important throttle adjustments are made. Traditional chain drive is used on the Ducati Diavel, whereas the Harley-Davidson makes use of a Kevlar belt instead of a series. Chain drives do require cleansing, lubrication, and stress setting. Kevlar belts are comparable however don’t require cleansing beneath regular circumstances. With these two sorts of energy transmission, the bike’s dealing with is just not affected, and shaft jacking is just not a difficulty.

Determining a winner

And It’s Not The Harley

Harley-Davidson FXDR 114
Harley-Davidson

Muscle cruisers are purported to be fast and highly effective. These two parameters outline the essence of the breed. So, after we take a look at our 4 contenders, one nearly instantly falls out of the competitors. The Harley-Davidson FXDR’s energy efficiency is, for probably the most half, underwhelming. The Harley-Davidson FXDR comes from a well known, 100-year-old model. It could have probably the most “presence” of the 4 bikes right here, however it’s not sufficient to beat the machine’s common energy. Unless, after all, some serious ‘tinkering’ is undertaken.

Making issues worse, weighing in at 668 kilos, the FXDR is the heaviest bike on this muscle cruiser competitors. With solely 78.7 horsepower on faucet and coming in third within the torque standings, the FXDR may need the muscle cruiser look, however it’s in robust competitors right here. Even if this machine had stellar dealing with, it couldn’t overcome its weak spot within the energy class. With its additional weight and common energy, the Harley-Davidson FXDR is the fats sheep in wolves’ clothes on this class. So, it isn’t that shocking that the Harley-Davidson FXDR is the primary to be eradicated from our checklist of energy cruisers.

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There’s no alternative for displacement

Only three standing

With the FXDR dispatched from the group, three extra tightly bunched rivals stay. We’re now right down to the Diavel, Rocket, and VMax. These three machines every boast effectively over 165 horsepower. The lowest horsepower bike on this group kilos out of 168 ready-to-run ponies. But you’ll need to put the whip to them as a result of this bike “only” places out 93 pound-feet of torque. It good points a major benefit because the lightest machine within the bunch. Weighing in at a trim 465 kilos dry, it weighs 95 kilos lower than its closest competitor. This bike is the Ducati Diavel.

Next up within the energy struggle is the Yamaha Vmax. This brute drive machine is now not in manufacturing. But for its time, it was the beast in not solely the muscle cruiser class, however just about every other class of motorbike. Its V4 engine produced a claimed 173 horsepower and made 112 pound-feet of torque. With its V4 engine word, individuals had been interested in the machine, and it rapidly turned an icon within the energy cruiser class. Weighing in at 560 kilos, it was a fairly trim machine for the time. Equipped with shaft drive and a chassis lower than the efficiency of its engine, the bike was all muscle cruiser and had no sporting intentions.

Another one bites the mud

Ducati XDiavel Full
Ducati

It’s time to say goodbye to the Ducati Diavel. With its third-in-class lowest horsepower (168 hp) and torque (93 pound-feet), as a muscle cruiser, the Diavel cannot play on this group. Although it might be the lightest and probably finest dealing with machine on this group, it is a muscle cruiser contest, not a sportbike matchup. Even its svelte form and sportbike pedigree, its attractiveness cannot put it aside this time. So it is Ciao, Ciao, Diavel.

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The winner

2024 Triumph Rocket 3 R cruising over a bridge
Triumph Motorcycles

Only two bikes stay on this comparability. And it is time to determine which bike is the brawniest of those 4 muscle cruiser machines. The two remaining rivals, the Yamaha Vmax and Triumph Rocket 3 stand head to head for the ultimate time. With its 173 horsepower and 112.8 pound-feet of torque, you’d suppose that the Vmax would simply win this race. But the reality of the matter is that the Rocket 3 nonetheless has extra horsepower and extra torque. While the Rocket 3’s 179 horsepower is simply 6 greater than the Vmax’s, the Rocket 3’s torque smashes the Vmax by including 52 pound-feet of torque.

And whereas the Vmax weighs considerably much less, it is nonetheless down on torque in comparison with the Rocket 3, and its chassis can not deal with its engine’s energy. Ultimately, it is extra of a straight-line machine. The Rocket 3’s chassis is as much as the duty of dealing with its brutal energy, making going from cease mild to stoplight a straightforward affair. And for instances when slipping between visitors on busy streets is required, the Rocket 3 has the chassis to make these fast strikes.

BMW M GmbH continues to develop: greater than 200,000 autos delivered inside one yr for the primary time.

Munich. BMW M GmbH can look again on an excellent monetary yr 2023 and as soon as once more studies file outcomes. For the primary time within the firm’s historical past, greater than 200,000 autos have been delivered worldwide in a single yr. With a brand new file of 202,530 high-performance and efficiency automobiles bought, the expansion pattern of current years continued. The spectacular enhance in gross sales of 14,3 p.c in comparison with the earlier yr proves that when once more further goal teams have been interested in extraordinarily sporty autos with the M emblem as a seal of high quality.

The USA was as soon as once more an important single marketplace for BMW M GmbH cars within the 2023 monetary yr. The German residence market once more took second place within the rating of gross sales areas, whereas the UK remained the third most vital market, as within the earlier yr. “With the historic record of more than 200,000 vehicles delivered, we have reached a milestone in the 2023 financial year. The impressive demand is a great confirmation that we are hitting the nerve of the times with our diverse product portfolio,” says Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President Customer, Brand, Sales at BMW M GmbH.

Electromobility offensive continues to assemble tempo.

As the model’s first all-electric efficiency mannequin, the BMW i4 M50* continued its profitable course within the second full yr of gross sales after its debut and as soon as once more turned BMW M GmbH’s bestseller. The yr 2023 additionally noticed the launch of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan* and the BMW i7 M70 xDrive*, signaling the beginning of two extra new additions to BMW M’s vary of all-electric efficiency autos.

With a extremely built-in drive unit on each the entrance and rear axles, which collectively develop a system output of as much as 442 kW/601 hp, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive units requirements within the premium phase of the enterprise saloon class. As probably the most highly effective mannequin within the new BMW 5 Series, it has particular design options as customary that visually emphasize its excellent sporting potential. Its customary Adaptive Chassis Professional with electronically managed shock absorbers and Integral Active Steering, together with the BMW xDrive electrical all-wheel drive system, ensures regionally emission-free driving pleasure and typical M efficiency.

With the BMW i7 M70 xDrive, probably the most highly effective purely electrically powered BMW M vehicle was introduced in 2023. The prime mannequin of latest BMW 7 Series can also be powered by two electrical motors, which collectively mobilize a system output of as much as 485 kW/659 hp and a most torque of 1,015 Nm. In addition, model-specific chassis expertise and unique design options contribute to the standard M character. The BMW i7 M70 xDrive combines regionally emission-free mobility and excessive efficiency to create a singular driving expertise within the luxurious phase.

“The financial year 2023 was characterized both by our highly successful portfolio of highly emotional combustion engine vehicles and by our ongoing electrification offensive with two further all-electric performance models and our first electrified high-performance car, the BMW XM*,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH. “Not least the ongoing success of the BMW i4 M50 confirms that we are on the right track to further advance the electrification of our product portfolio and to combine sustainable drive technologies with an emotionally powerful driving experience.”

New high-performance fashions diversify the product portfolio.

Three high-performance cars, which accomplished their first full yr of gross sales in 2023 and symbolize the wide selection of BMW M GmbH’s product portfolio, additionally made a decisive contribution to the renewed enhance in gross sales. The second technology of the BMW M2* with its six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel drive and elective 6-speed handbook transmission affords an much more engaging entry into the world of high-performance fashions from BMW M. Extroverted design, progressive luxurious within the inside and the brand new M HYBRID system make the BMW XM* an absolute exception within the aggressive discipline of Sports Activity Vehicles and Sports Activity Coupés. The new BMW M3 CS* particular mannequin, which brings the unmistakable BMW M feeling to the racetrack and the street in a very purist type, was additionally enthusiastically acquired by followers of the model.

In addition, the continued recognition of the bestsellers within the high-performance automotive phase was the principle cause for the unabated progress of BMW M GmbH. The world’s best-selling high-performance sports activities automotive in 2023 was the BMW M3 Sedan*, adopted by the BMW M4 Coupé*. With their highly effective six-cylinder in-line engines and the distinctive alternative of handbook 6-speed transmission and 8-speed M Steptronic transmission within the phase, in addition to traditional rear-wheel drive and the clever M xDrive all-wheel drive system, they provide racetrack-ready efficiency traits with unrestricted on a regular basis and long-distance suitability. This mixture, supplemented by an additional portion of bags house and variability, made the primary BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive* a very high-profile new addition to the BMW M GmbH vary in 2023.

Fresh accents and additional new high-performance fashions in 2024.

The diversification of the product portfolio will proceed in 2024. In addition to the upcoming mannequin revision for the three most profitable high-performance collection BMW M3, BMW M4 and BMW M2, the brand new version of the BMW M5 is within the beginning blocks for the present mannequin yr. The new technology of the high-performance mannequin within the luxurious class won’t solely be accessible as a sedan, however because the BMW M5 Touring it should additionally present additional impetus for the conquest of latest goal teams. Prior to this, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring will complement the vary of all-electric efficiency automobiles.

The core of the BMW M product vary additionally sees the debut of an providing for significantly bold drivers: the massive success of the BMW M3 CS is adopted by the brand new BMW M4 CS particular mannequin, which embodies pure racing ardour in an additional type with elevated engine energy and optimized weight.

Le Mans in sight: BMW M GmbH goals for historic racing comeback.

After the brand new BMW M Hybrid V8 efficiently accomplished its first season within the North American endurance collection IMSA final yr, BMW M GmbH may even be competing within the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024. The spotlight of the season is the return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans: precisely 25 years after the general victory of the BMW V12 LMR within the legendary endurance traditional, a prototype from BMW M Motorsport will as soon as once more be on the beginning grid.

The comeback on the Circuit de 24 Heures can be accompanied by the race monitor premiere of the twentieth BMW Art Car. One of the 2 BMW M Hybrid V8s competing at Le Mans will enter the race with a really particular design, created by the world-renowned New York artist Julie Mehretu, which impressively expresses the normal mixture of motorsport and artwork within the BMW Art Car Collection.

*Consumption and emissions knowledge:

BMW i4 M50: energy consumption in kWh/100 km mixed: 22.5 – 18.0 WLTP.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive: energy consumption in kWh/100 km mixed: 20.6 – 18.2 WLTP.

BMW i7 M70 xDrive: energy consumption in kWh/100 km mixed: 23.7 – 20.8 WLTP.

BMW XM: Fuel consumption in l/100 km mixed: 1.9 – 1.5 WLTP; energy consumption in kWh/100 km mixed: 33.6 – 32.5 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km mixed: 43 – 35 WLTP.

BMW M2: Fuel consumption in l/100 km mixed: 9.3 – 9.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km mixed: 209 – 205 WLTP.

BMW M3 CS: Fuel consumption in l/100 km mixed: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km mixed: 234 – 229 WLTP.

BMW M3 Sedan: Fuel consumption in l/100 km mixed: 10.1 – 10.0 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km mixed: 231 – 227 WLTP.

BMW M4 Coupé: Fuel consumption in l/100 km mixed: 10.1 – 9.9 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km mixed: 230 – 226 WLTP.

BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive: Fuel consumption in l/100 km mixed: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km mixed: 235 – 229 WLTP.

Official gasoline consumption, CO2 emissions, electrical energy consumption and electrical vary figures have been decided primarily based on the prescribed measurement process in accordance with European Regulation (EC) 2007/715 within the model relevant. Where a variety is proven, the WLTP figures keep in mind the affect of any elective extras.

Only official figures primarily based on the WLTP process can be found for brand new fashions which were sort examined since 01.01.2021. In addition, in line with EU Regulation 2022/195, the NEDC values will now not be included within the EC certificates of conformity as of 01.01.2023. Further data on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can be discovered at www.bmw.de/wltp.

Further data on official gasoline consumption figures and particular CO2 emission values of latest passenger automobiles is included within the following guideline: ‘Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen’ (Guide to the gasoline financial system, CO2 emissions and electrical energy consumption of latest passenger automobiles), which could be obtained freed from cost from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

Please contact us when you have any questions:

Media and Public Relations

Martin Schleypen, Product Communications BMW M Automobiles

Phone: +49-89-382-37889

E-Mail: Martin.Schleypen@bmwgroup.com

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Phone: +49-89-382-30871

E-Mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

BMW Motorrad and Metzeler climb the world’s highest lively volcano with sequence manufacturing BMW R 1300 GS fashions.

Munich. Barely two and a half months after its world premiere, the brand new BMW R 1300 GS proves its excellent off-road experience and distinctive robustness in South America. From sixth to seventh December 2023, ranging from sea stage on the Nevado Ojos del Salado – at 6,893 metres the very best lively volcano on the planet – a fleet of totally geared up 
BMW R 1300 GS fashions managed to achieve an altitude of greater than 6,000 metres in lower than 24 hours. The climb, which could be very tough for riders, bikes and tyres, culminates within the infamous “Rock Channel” on the northern flank of the Nevado Ojos del Salado, the place the expedition climbed to six,006 metres in simply 19 hours and 22 minutes to achieve a most altitude of 6,027 metres.

The backdrop for the expedition, which represents an excessive problem for man and machine, is the Circuito de los Seis Miles within the Atacama Desert in Chile, the very best lively volcano chain on the planet, to which the Nevado Ojos del Salado belongs. The 4 commonplace BMW R 1300 GS fashions set off on 6 December at 3.00 pm native time from Bahia Inglesa, a city close to the port of Caldera on the Pacific Ocean within the Atacama area, to climb the Nevado Ojos Del Salado.

International staff of drivers.
The vacation spot was lastly reached on 7 December at 10.22 am native time. Equipped with Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, the BMW R 1300 GS fashions began from sea stage on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, adopted by the ascent by way of the Atacama Desert to the Circuito de los Seis Miles and eventually to the slopes of Nevado Ojos del Salado on the border between Argentina and Chile. Riding the BMW R 1300 GS had been Christof Lischka, BMW Motorrad Development Manager, Salvatore Pennisi, Metzeler Test and Technical Director, Michele Pradelli, Italian Extreme Enduro Champion and tester for Italian journal InMoto, and Karsten Schwers, tester and journalist for German journal MOTORRAD.

An extra distinctive function of this expedition was the choice to undertake it with commonplace bikes and commonplace tyres. It also needs to be famous that this outcome was achieved with 19″ front and 17″ rear tyres, exhibiting a brand new dimension on the planet of journey driving.

Christof Lischka: “With this extreme ride up to more than 6,000 metres, the new
BMW R 1300 GS has shown what it can do and what it is made for. It masters off-road and adventure riding as well as a sporty pace on tarmac and long tours. Even in standard trim with off-road tyres. It was important for us to emphasise these core competencies of the new GS once again with this expedition.”

Standard BMW R 1300 GS with off-road tyres.
The new BMW R 1300 GS is fitted with Metzeler Tourance Next 2 tyres as unique gear ex works. For devoted off-road use, Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres can be found as an possibility, and had been used on this expedition. With the Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres, the 
BMW R 1300 GS affords even higher driving traits each off-road and on journey excursions. The multi-purpose tyres provide exemplary off-road traction and can be utilized on every little thing from sandy or desert tracks to the deepest mud. They additionally work completely
on- and off-road with the superior rider help methods of the brand new BMW R 1300 GS.

A problem for man and machine.
The climb to Nevado Ojos del Salado is an excessive problem for each man and machine. Considerable bodily and psychological effort is required of the expedition members. After all, the climb is be accomplished in lower than 24 hours. In addition, the members attain an surroundings above 5,000 metres that could be very inhospitable to people. The temperatures are very low – round -10 °C in the course of the day and -20 °C at evening – and the oxygen content material is low.

Long-term preparation and prior acclimatisation to the area are due to this fact important. In the times main as much as the expedition, a number of base camps had been arrange at completely different altitudes and a simulation was carried out on Mount Etna in Sicily, the very best lively volcano in Europe. Specific medical checks and checks on the University of Enna, in cooperation with the well being authorities of the province of Enna, had been additionally a part of the preparation of the expedition members.

At over 5,000 metres above sea stage, the chilly and low air strain place notably excessive calls for on the digital management of the air-fuel combination of the Boxer engine, but in addition on all different automobile elements of the brand new BMW R 1300 GS. The chassis and tyres are additionally put to the take a look at by the numerous terrain with stony tracks, unpaved roads, countless sandy areas and generally even ice and snow.

“I am delighted that we were able to take on this challenge with the new R 1300 GS and mastered it with flying colours. On such adventurous rides, the new GS has already demonstrated its great off-road expertise in standard trim and shown what it can do in extreme situations,” concludes Christof Lischka.

You will discover press materials on BMW bikes within the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.

BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team Takes Seventh Place at Suzuka 8 Hours

The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team achieved a remarkable seventh-place finish at the Suzuka 8 Hours, earning important points in the FIM Endurance World Championship. The team, consisting of Markus Reiterberger, Ilya Mikhalchik, and Jérémy Guarnoni, battled against grueling conditions and rain on their BMW M 1000 RR. They emerged as the best European team in a highly competitive field dominated by Japanese teams. The team’s performance earned them the Le-Mans-Award. With one race remaining at Le Castellet, the team is currently in third place in the championship standings, with a chance to narrow the 37-point gap to the leaders in the final 24-hour race.

The Suzuka 8 Hours is a crucial race for Japanese manufacturers, who field strong works teams and supported squads. The goal for European teams is to score as many points as possible, and the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team accomplished just that.

Starting from eleventh on the grid, the #37 BMW M 1000 RR dropped to 16th place early in the race. However, the riders fought back and steadily climbed into the top ten. Despite the hot and humid conditions, they maintained consistent laps and avoided mistakes. In addition to their on-track performance, the team excelled in the pits. They maintained their focus even when rain arrived with an hour remaining. As darkness fell, the #37 BMW M 1000 RR crossed the finish line in an impressive seventh place.

The season finale, the famous Bol d’Or 24-hour race at Le Castellet, will take place from September 14th to 17th.

Four privateer BMW teams from Asia also participated in the Suzuka 8 Hours. The SANMEI Team TARO PLUSONE finished 17th overall (16th in the EWC class) with the #44 BMW M 1000 RR. The TONE RT SYNCEDGE 4413 BMW team recovered from a start-line fall to finish 43rd (13th in the Superstock class) with the #85 BMW M 1000 RR. However, the Shinshu activation project Team NAGANO and TEAM FRONTIER retired early.

Reactions from the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team:

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: Despite the strong competition from Japanese manufacturers and teams, we are pleased with our seventh-place finish and being the best European team. Our main championship rivals were not as successful, allowing us to gain ground. The world championship is still up for grabs at the season finale, where more points will be at stake. The team’s consistent performance and support from Dunlop played a crucial role. We are confident and optimistic for the next race, the Bol d’Or.

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: A top-eight result was our goal, considering we didn’t have the strongest package. We excelled in changing wheels, being the fastest. I am proud of the team and the riders’ remarkable performance. We made no mistakes and finished in seventh place. We are looking forward to the final race of the season with hope.

Markus Reiterberger: I am relieved and happy with our top-ten finish. Despite a minor problem with the bike, we were able to regain positions and end up in seventh place. The race was physically and mentally demanding, especially in the final stint with changing weather conditions. The team’s pit stops were superb, and I am grateful for everyone’s support. It was a tough week, but everyone gave their all.

Ilya Mikhalchik: I am really happy and want to thank everyone in the team. The race was challenging, but we maintained a good pace. Our performance showed that the bike has improved, even in the hot weather. We are satisfied with our top-ten finish, which was close to the top five. We did a good job.

Jérémy Guarnoni: It was a good race for us. We could have fought for the top five, but the changing weather made it difficult. Nevertheless, we are happy with our seventh-place finish and the points we earned for the championship. We proved that we did our job well. Our aim was to finish in the top ten, and we achieved that. We are now focused on the Bol d’Or, where we have a chance to win the world championship.

Preserving memory and promoting prevention: Volkswagen apprentices visit “Flashes of Memory” exhibition in Berlin

Volkswagen is recognizing the exceptional achievements of 46 talented apprentices from 39 facilities in 19 countries. As part of this recognition, the winners of the “Best Apprentice Award” were given the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Flashes of Memory: Photography during the Holocaust” in Berlin. The exhibition is supported by Volkswagen and aligns with the company’s commitment to remembrance. The apprentices from the Wolfsburg region will also have the chance to visit the exhibition at the Museum für Fotografie in the near future.

During their visit to the museum, the group of apprentices participated in a guided tour of photographs and films that were captured during the Holocaust. These visual documents provide different perspectives of both the perpetrators and the victims, highlighting the importance of understanding the context behind the images. Another group of apprentices will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition in July. Many of these young individuals are currently undergoing apprenticeships at Volkswagen facilities in and around Wolfsburg, and some have already volunteered at the memorial site of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a former concentration and extermination camp.

Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Volkswagen AG for Human Resources and member of the Foundation Council of the International Youth Meeting Center in Auschwitz, emphasizes the significance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust: “The exhibition ‘Flashes of Memory’ plays a vital role in Volkswagen’s commitment to honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. It allows people to learn about this dark chapter in German history and serves as a reminder for future generations. Our apprentices will gain personal insights into the lives of people during that time and become ambassadors for a culture of remembrance that encompasses our responsibility in how we live together today and in the future.”

Dieter Landenberger, Head of Volkswagen Heritage Communications, welcomed the apprentices in Berlin and explained the importance of Volkswagen’s corporate culture of remembrance. For over 30 years, the Volkswagen Group has been collaborating with the International Auschwitz Committee and encouraging apprentices to volunteer in the preservation of the Auschwitz memorial site.

Daniela Cavallo, Chairwoman of the Group Works Council, expressed Volkswagen’s commitment to remembrance and responsibility: “Remembrance and responsibility are fundamental to Volkswagen’s corporate culture. We are incredibly proud of our young apprentices and their dedication to the memorial work at Auschwitz. Holocaust survivors frequently express their appreciation for the commitment shown by our young people. This commitment will always be a top priority for Volkswagen.”

The Volkswagen Group is a partner in the education program for the exhibition “Flashes of Memory: Photography during the Holocaust.” The exhibition has been on display at the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin since March 24, 2023. It features personal photographs from the Holocaust era and provides critical interpretations of their impact. Following its presentation at the World Holocaust Remembrance Center Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the exhibition is now available at an international museum outside of Israel for the first time.