This type of trickle-down technology makes perfect sense in the real world driving conditions that most of us encounter each and every day of our lives. Hybrids have been using regenerative braking for quite some time now as a fuel saving measure. In those applications, the electric motor or motors that help provide motive functions for the vehicle work as generators when braking force, or "drag" is applied to them, which charges the batteries. In vehicles like the new BMW 3 Series which does not use any electric motors, the alternator, which has long been used in vehicles to keep the battery charged, is selectively engaged or disengaged, and acts as both a "brake" and as a method of charging the batteries and saving gas. As a bonus, when the alternator is disengaged from the engine, the normal "drag" on the engine is eliminated, allowing for more power from the engine going to the wheels. Hooray for trickle-down hybrid technology!

Related:

• Trickle-down tech: Non-hybrid BMW 5 Series to feature regenerative braking

[Source: Motor Authority]

BMW dropped a bit of a hint that they are seriously considering bringing diesel engines to the U.S. market when they brought their newest diesel-powered engine to the Detroit Auto Show. You can read about it here and here. We reported already that BMW has plans to introduce the diesel X5 in the States in 2008. There were three responses to our posting regarding the diesel X5, all of which indicated they would rather see a sedan. Well, you may get your wish. We got a tip from Omar at eGMCarTech that BMW has confirmed they plan to bring the engine over in their 5 Series sedan in 2009. Also from their site are the mileage details, both with a 3.0 diesel (single turbo - 530d) and another 3.0 diesel (twin turbo - 535d). The 530d seems to me to be the better bet, being capable of a 6.8 second 0-60 sprint while returning 42.2 mpg. Here is a link to the BMW International page regarding 6 cylinder diesels in the 5 Series.

There is currently no information regarding BMW bringing the 4 cylinder diesel engine over in the 520d.

Thanks again for the tip, Omar. EDIT: And thanks ThwartedEfforts for the extra credit!

Related:

• BMW moves up diesel plans to start with the X5
• Detroit Auto Show: BMW hybrid and diesel information
• A few more details about the BMW diesel at the Detroit Auto Show
• Trickle-down tech: Non-hybrid BMW 5 Series to feature regenerative braking

[Source: eGMCarTech and BMW]

Using recaptured braking power to recharge batteries has been a staple of hybrid technology since their start. BMW, a company which has not released a hybrid model as of yet, plans to put into production a new type of alternator in their newest 5 series models which will recharge the battery in the car under braking. The system also includes a new type of lead-acid battery that can take the extra quick blast of electricity in stride.

BMW plans to improve the efficiency of all their cars shortly as part of their Efficient Dynamics Program. The program will focus on improving efficiency in areas such as aerodynamics, tire technology and engine stop/start features. Expect to see systems such as these and the regenerative braking on other BMW models shortly.

[Source: Fifth Gear via Jalopnik]