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BMW

ROWE Racing finishes 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers on the rostrum – Three BMW M4 GT3s within the prime six.

Nürburgring. The BMW M Motorsport groups ROWE Racing and RMG efficiently accomplished crucial race weekend on the Nordschleife earlier than the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER). During the 24h Qualifiers, all three BMW M4 GT3s accomplished many laps and picked up precious information. In addition, there was racing success within the 4-hour race on Sunday. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) drove the #98 ROWE Racing automotive to a second-place end on the rostrum. The sister #99 automotive and the BMW M Team RMV #72 BMW M4 GT3 completed in fourth and sixth locations, respectively.

The 24h Qualifiers consisted of two races, every 4 hours lengthy. On Saturday, the BMW M Motorsport groups targeted on set-up work. Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), and Charles Weerts (BEL) have been the highest-placed crew as tenth within the #72 BMW M4 GT3. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) completed twelfth within the ROWE Racing automotive #99. The #98 BMW M4 GT3 retired after an unavoidable collision however made up for it with the rostrum end on Sunday. The race weekend was notably precious for Weerts and Marciello, as each accomplished their first races within the BMW M4 GT3 on the Nordschleife and have been capable of full many laps. Marciello additionally celebrated his first podium as a BMW M works driver.

At the 24h Qualifiers – additionally rounds three and 4 of the Nürburgring Endurance Series NLS – quite a few different classes have been current alongside the GT3 automobiles. BMW M Motorsport groups achieved a complete of 9 class victories within the two races.

Reactions after the 24h Nürburgring Qualifiers:

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal ROWE Racing): “Our team and our drivers did a very good job this weekend. Despite the unprovoked retirement in the race on Saturday, we covered many kilometres and gained valuable insights about the new tyres. Our drivers were able to get used to the Nordschleife and the tuning again. We have already got into a good groove with Raffaele Marciello. Thanks to the good work of the team and some lucky circumstances, we were rewarded with a podium on Sunday, the second within eight days after our victory in the GT World Challenge Europe. It’s a nice reward for the intensive work in the past weeks.”

Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW M Team RMG): “Overall, it was a good test run for the 24-hour race. On Saturday, we still had some things to sort out with the set-up and couldn’t keep up with the lead. Things went better on Sunday, although we had a slight collision in the first corner of the race and had to repair the car during the first stop. Charles Weerts has integrated very well into our team and was able to complete many valuable laps this weekend.”

Raffaele Marciello (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “We can be very happy with the podium today. Our pace was good, and we had a good strategy. The main goal this weekend was to prepare ourselves as well as possible for the 24-hour race because that’s where it really counts. Of course, you can never be one hundred percent perfectly prepared for such a special race, but I think we are in a good position.”

Sheldon van der Linde (#99 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “Fourth place is a good result to end the weekend. We may not have had the fastest car, but our pit stops were great and ultimately got us to this position. Of course, the preparation for the 24-hour race was the main focus, and we ticked all the boxes on our list. That also applies to me personally. It was my first time this season on the Nordschleife, and I was able to complete many laps which helped me a lot. I feel very well prepared.”

Charles Weerts (#72 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team RMG): “It was a good weekend for us, where we could finish both races without major problems. As a team, we are still finding the perfect tuning for the new tyres. That worked out much better on Sunday than on Saturday. Personally, I learn something new with every single lap on the Nordschleife and am gathering many valuable experiences. Things are already going quite well, but I can certainly continue to improve.”

Motorsport

Toyota Not Getting Own Versions Of Suzuki Jimny And Swift

Toyota and Suzuki have been efficiently sharing fashions and platforms in sure European markets and India, leading to a relationship that has bolstered each corporations’ market presence. Notably, the RAV4 is sold as the Suzuki Across on the Old Continent and some different merchandise have been rebadged each methods, but it surely seems a few of the most storied nameplates gained’t be shared.

A latest report means that Toyota‘s aspiration to introduce its personal variations of the Suzuki Jimny and Swift has hit a roadblock. While the businesses have collaborated seamlessly on different fashions, Suzuki has expressed a steadfast reluctance to share the 2 fashions, citing their integral function within the firm’s DNA and the danger of diluting their iconic standing if branded with the Toyota insignia.


BMW

BMW Group Logistik successfully tests electric semi-trailer in real-world logistics operations

Munich. BMW Group Logistik has conducted successful test trials of an electric-powered semi-trailer in various real-world logistics scenarios. Teaming up with Trailer Dynamics, a technology innovator, the trials achieved significant fuel savings and increased range compared to diesel trucks. The combined use of an electric tractor and e-trailer enabled a range of over 600 kilometers without recharging. Testing was carried out over four days at the BMW Group location in Dingolfing for short and medium distances, and over three days between Mamming in Lower Bavaria and the BMW Group plant in Leipzig for long distances. These trials aimed to identify the best application scenarios for BMW Group Logistik using Trailer Dynamics’ e-trailer.

Michael Nikolaides, Head of BMW Group Production Network and Logistics, said, “The pilot testing with Trailer Dynamics’ e-trailer showed that using this kind of electrified semi-trailer significantly reduces the fuel consumption of standard diesel tractors and noticeably increases the range of e-trucks. The BMW Group is committed to complete climate neutrality throughout the entire value chain, and projects like this accelerate our Green Transport Logistics strategy.”

Key features of the e-trailer:

Unlike conventional semi-trailers, Trailer Dynamics’ e-trailer is equipped with its own battery and electric drive axle. The electric axle supports the semi-truck’s engine and ensures optimal load ratio for better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the powered axle provides extra power during startup and on slopes. Even if the e-trailer’s battery is empty, the combination with a diesel truck ensures a continuous power supply.

The medium-distance tests lasted four consecutive days, covering logistics routes around the BMW Group location in Dingolfing. With the support of logistics service provider Gahr International, up to 250 kilometers were covered per day on motorways and main roads. Data collection from both the e-trailer and tractor was carried out simultaneously for the first time, resulting in an average diesel consumption reduction of 46.59 percent.

Significant fuel savings over long distances:

In the long distance tests, conducted on real logistics routes with a load exceeding 16 tonnes, the e-trailer achieved diesel savings of over 48 percent on average compared to conventional trailers. The round trip between Leipzig and Mamming covered a distance of 450 kilometers mainly on motorways. The e-trailer’s battery was charged using 100 percent green energy, resulting in a potential CO2 reduction of approximately 120 tonnes per year when applied on a larger scale.

100 percent CO2 reduction with an e-truck:

Combining an e-trailer with an electric tractor powered by 100 percent green electricity can achieve a 100 percent reduction in CO2 emissions while enabling long-distance routes. This scenario was demonstrated using a Volvo e-truck on the final day of medium-distance testing, achieving a driving distance of over 600 kilometers without recharging.

The use of e-trailers results in fuel savings but is counterbalanced by the heavier weight and lower payload capacity. However, this is partially offset by the increased permissible total weight for trailers in the EU. Although the initial costs of e-trailers are higher, they can result in lower operating costs. Over long distances, implementing e-trailers can significantly decarbonize the existing fleet and save costs.

Trailer Dynamics aims to contribute to decarbonizing the economy by promoting sustainable and ideally zero-emission logistics through the use of e-trailers. With the support of BMW, forwarding agents Gahr International and Elflein Spedition & Transport, the test drives represent an important step towards realizing this vision, according to Abdullah Jaber, CEO and Managing Director of Trailer Dynamics.

These visionary e-trailer pilot projects align with the BMW Group’s commitment to implementing their Green Transport Logistics strategy. By supporting the development of innovative technologies in transport logistics, BMW aims to reduce CO2 emissions and improve their overall environmental footprint.

NewsNew

WORLD SUPERCROSS IS BACK!

After the successful first round of the 2023 World Supercross Championship, the program faced some challenges. Round two was postponed and relocated, and there were rumors of lost sponsors. But now, SX Global has made a comeback with a press release announcing a new ownership and leadership group. They promise to provide more information soon. Here’s what they said:

After weeks of speculation, SX Global has confirmed the sale of its business to a new investment group. This group is led by experienced sports investors Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Juan Sartori, along with SX Global’s CEO Adam Bailey. Together, they will form the new ownership and leadership group. The trio is committed to driving the FIM World Supercross Championship forward and ensuring its long-term success.

Louis-Dreyfus is a highly successful French businessman. In 2022, at the age of 23, he became the youngest Chairman in English football history by purchasing a controlling stake in Championship club Sunderland A.F.C.

Sartori is a successful Uruguayan businessman, senator, and co-owner of Sunderland A.F.C., alongside Louis-Dreyfus. He is also a Board Member and Vice President of the top French football club, AS Monaco FC.

Both Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori are highly accomplished individuals who share a passion for sports and a desire to help grow supercross globally.

Together with Bailey, one of the original founders of SX Global, this powerful trio is dedicated to keeping the WSX series strong and focused on the championship’s long-term sustainability and growth. They are supported by the expertise and backing of the new investor group.

More information and announcements regarding the FIM World Supercross Championship will be released soon.

News

Under the skin: Is ammonia the key to cutting CO2?

A Chinese manufacturer, GAC, in partnership with Toyota, has made news by successfully running a car engine on carbon-free ammonia. While the idea of using a substance commonly associated with fertilizers and cleaning products may seem unconventional, further examination reveals that it is not as impractical as it sounds. Research into the use of ammonia as a substitute for fossil fuels has been ongoing for nearly as long as cars have existed, for both petrol and diesel engines.

During World War II, ammonia-powered buses were used in Belgium, and the US military explored its use in the 1960s. The chemical formula of ammonia, NH3, offers an explanation for its effectiveness. Each ammonia molecule contains one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, making it a dense “hydrogen carrier.” In other words, when ammonia is burned, the engine essentially runs on hydrogen.

However, there are challenges associated with using ammonia as a fuel. It contains less energy than petrol or diesel and has a slower burning rate. Previous research has explored two approaches: splitting ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen and burning the hydrogen gas, or using some fossil fuel to facilitate ignition. The first method adds complexity and cost, while the second partially defeats the purpose.

GAC has not provided detailed information on their approach, but it is possible to directly ignite ammonia. Mahle Powertrain released research findings last year on developing ammonia combustion as a replacement for diesel in heavy-duty engines used in trucks, buses, machinery, and marine applications. They tested two methods.

The first method involves retrofitting heavy-duty turbo diesels with a second set of injectors to introduce gaseous ammonia as the main energy source. Alternatively, Mahle Powertrain successfully ran a single-cylinder research engine on pure gaseous ammonia using their innovative Mahle Jet Ignition (MJI) system. This system eliminates the need for fossil fuel as an ignition source and produces ultra-clean combustion with minimal harmful pollutants such as NOx.

The MJI system features a small pre-chamber in the top of each combustion chamber, equipped with holes at the bottom. A spark plug and fuel injector are inserted into the pre-chamber. A small charge is injected into the pre-chamber while the main charge enters the cylinder through the usual inlet ports. When the charge in the pre-chamber ignites, hot gas is expelled through the holes into the cylinder, efficiently and evenly igniting the main charge.

Ammonia offers an advantage as a road fuel because, although it exists as a gas at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, it liquefies under relatively low pressure (around 7.5 bar) and can be transported in tankers in that form. In contrast, hydrogen is typically stored in cars at 750 bar.