Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 3-Series

BMW's Efficient Dynamics program has prompted the Bavarian automaker to add fuel-saving technologies to its line of vehicles. Most of the changes have been made first to the most fuel efficient models, including the adoption of stop/start technology. By bringing the engine to a stop instead of letting it idle away, a huge improvement can be realized, especially in city-style stop-and-go driving conditions. So far, all of the models to be so equipped have featured four-cylinder engines underhood. No longer. BMW will soon be waving its stop/start wand over its excellent inline six-cylinder engines.

Expect to see the stop/start make its first six cylinder appearance in the 3 Series. A bit later on down the line, the technology will spread across the entire brand's range of vehicles. Now that the United States may finally be getting four cylinder BMWs again, is it too much to ask for them to allow us to save some gas with the stop/start too? We'll see.


[Source: Channel 4]

Click to view the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept in hi-res

The automotive industry seems to be heading in two diametrically opposed directions: developing fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly cars on the one hand, and a seemingly never-ending race for more horsepower on the other. While BMW continues to produce overpowered performance vehicles like the V8-powered M3 and V10-powered M5 and M6 to gun for top honors in the latter category, executives in the Bavarian automaker insist that their main focus is on the former.

In an interview with AutoTelegraaf, Klaus Draeger, the BMW board member spearheading the EfficientDynamics program, says that, despite the unveiling of the M1 Hommage supercar concept, BMW will not be producing a competitor to the Audi R8 supercar. Citing deployment of the EfficientDynamics system in 850,000 vehicles this year alone, Draeger says that the company will instead focus on green technologies. "That is our biggest investment in the coming years." We'll see.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via eGMCarTech]

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

While Mercedes-Benz is a leader in clean diesel technology, the German luxury brand has been lagging behind its arch-rival BMW when it comes to the adoption of green technology such as stop/start in its lower-end models. This omission will soon change, as the A-Class and B-Class models, which are not sold in the U.S. market, will be granted the technology shortly. While consumers will likely appreciate the fuel savings most, the brand will be happy to report the reduction in carbon dioxide, which is regulated in most of the world.

The stop/start technology that will be used by Mercedes-Benz is a very basic system and is shared with the smart brand. Because the starter will be used much more often than normal, a larger starter motor and battery is required. BMW harnesses a portion of the energy usually lost when braking to recharge this more powerful battery. Mercedes' system does not allow this capability, though the automaker claims it is hard at work on the next-generation version of this technology which they say will incorporate regenerative braking.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Efficient Dynamics has claimed its first scalps of the year, taking the World Car of the Year Green Award. The three finalists were all Rudolph's children, being of the diesel variety: the BMW 118d, the smart fortwo cdi, and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDi BlueMotion. The specific rationale for choosing the BMW wasn't given, but the roominess, real world practicality, miserly emissions and fuel needs, and Efficient Dynamics are probably all good suspects. It's a nifty little car and a well deserved award, so kudos to you, BMW. Now if you could get that diesel Isetta going, we'd really get to cheering for you.

Bild am Sontag, one of the most important publications in Germany has given an award to BMW's Efficient Dynamics program. This year's "Goldenes Lenkrad" (Golden Steering Wheel) included a green prize for the first time and praised BMW's measures to cut CO₂ emissions.

Efficient Dynamics is available in almost all BMW models. ED consists of a set of features such as high-end diesel units, brake energy regeneration, Start and Stop functionality, better aerodynamics and lightweight construction techniques.

Related:

• BMW 123d: More than 200 HP and less than 140 CO2 g/km
• Wondering how the new stop/start Mini drives?
• BMW: 40% of European Car Range under 140 CO2 g/km by fall.

[Source: BMW]

When we wrote a post about some of the easiest ways to implement green technology into our automobiles, one of the highlighted technologies was engine stop/start. The premise is that your engine need not idle in this day and age of electronics and high-output alternators and motors, along with improvements in oil to minimize engine wear when the engine is started. BMW has been making this particular improvement across their range and has spread the wealth to Mini as well. We know that the technology can improve the fuel mileage, but what is it like to drive the vehicle with this technology engaged? To find out, skip on over to CAR and read their mini-review. Make sure to come back afterwards!

If you followed the link, you found that they did not mind the system at all, and think that drivers should leave it on. That's right, stop/start is driver defeatable in the Mini. Also, the transmission must be left in neutral on manual shift cars for the system to work. As soon as the clutch is depressed, the engine wakes back up with zero lag. Other manufacturers should consider making a system like this standard on their models as well.

[Source: CAR via Autoblog]

BMW has been pursuing their efficient dynamics program for a while now. One example is where the application of stop/start technology, a feature where the engine is stopped and started by a motor/generator instead of the standard alternator and starter. Along with this, a larger battery is capable of storing more power and accepts the electricity generated from regenerative braking. Already added to the 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series, stop/start has now been moved to their Z4 sports car.

Different from the others, though, the Z4 also has a 'friction optimised' rear axle which incrementally improves the fuel efficiency of the car. All of the changes mentioned above conspire to add a few percent of increased fuel mileage to the car. Every little bit helps!

Related:

• Trickle-down tech: Non-hybrid BMW 5 Series to feature regenerative braking
• BMW 3 Series joins 5 Series and 1 Series in offering regenerative braking

[Source: Autocar]