New Tesla Model S Now the Quickest Production Car in the World

The Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode is the third fastest accelerating production car ever produced, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.5* seconds. However, both the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder were limited run, million dollar vehicles and cannot be bought new. While those cars are small two seaters with very little luggage space, the pure electric, all-wheel drive Model S P100D has four doors, seats up to 5 adults plus 2 children and has exceptional cargo capacity.

The 100 kWh battery also increases range substantially to an estimated 315 miles on the EPA cycle and 613 km on the EU cycle, making it the first to go beyond 300 miles and the longest range production electric vehicle by far.

The larger battery pack is also available on the Model X, making the world’s quickest SUV even faster. Model X P100D with Ludicrous mode accelerates to 60 mph in 2.9* seconds and travels up to 289 miles EPA estimated and 542 km EU on a single charge. Model X is also a pure electric SUV and can seat up to seven adults.

Model S and Model X are engineered to be the safest cars on the road and to have the highest ratings from NHTSA. Both have access to the Tesla Supercharger network for the freedom to travel long distance for free. And every Tesla will improve over time with free over the air upgrades.

Tesla customers who have ordered a P90D Ludicrous, but not taken delivery, can upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for $10,000. Existing P90D Ludicrous owners can also upgrade to a 100 kWh pack, but for $20,000, as their used 90 kWh pack will have to be recycled.

While the P100D Ludicrous is obviously an expensive vehicle, we want to emphasize that every sale helps pay for the smaller and much more affordable Tesla Model 3 that is in development. Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development.

source: https://www.tesla.com

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2012 BMW 3 Series

BMW has already started to test the next 3 Series platform in the current generation body style, so this tells us that the final design will be chosen very soon.

As we learned from sources close to BMW, we are still a year away from the time the first 2012 3 Series prototypes will hit the road for testing and the final design will be chosen this spring.

Sources have reported Teknikensvarld that the next BMW 3 Series will be based on the CS Concept design language.

If indeed they are correct, then the rendering makes more sense. We will definitely see a larger front-grille and a flat “nose”, needed to comply with the pedestrian regulations.

The “corona-ring” headlights will replace the current style, but still keeping an angular shape, somewhat similar to what the next 5 Series will have. The hood design seen in the newly released 5 Series GT and even the current M3 models, will be without a doubt present in the new design. The two side creases will flow towards the headlights, giving the new 3er an even more aggressive look.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series platform, codename F35, will have a longer wheelbase and a wider track width, as seen in the spy shots.

As far as the technology and engine line-up, we should see a lot of the EfficientDynamics brand all over the 3er, by offering the start-stop technology, KERS and other energy efficient features. A 3er hybrid coming? Teknikensvarld’s sources seem to indicate that, but of course, this will be pure speculation at this point.

What we know for sure and reported before is that BMW will invest heavily into a new telemetrics system, NGTP, that will provide a variety of wireless services, including a faster response to help distressed passengers. Teknikensvarld also reports that the system could be retrofitted into older models.

Obviously, the 3 Series represents the core of BMW’s sales, so they have no other option but getting the design right. So far, they did just fine with their previous 3ers…..

Thanks for the tip Oscar!

Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/

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BMW Recalls 89,000 Mini Coopers for Fire Risk

NEW YORK -- BMW is recalling 89,000 Mini Coopers in the United States for the same sort of problem that led to earlier recalls of BMW and Rolls-Royce luxury cars.

The problem, in all the recalls, is that a computer circuit board controlling a turbocharger cooling system can fail. The result: a smoldering water pump and, in some cases, a fire in the engine compartment.

The turbo cooling system in the Mini Coopers operates differently from that in the BMW and Rolls-Royce cars, according to a letter BMW sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nevertheless, some turbocharged Mini cars have caught fire in the same way the larger cars did.

BMW is still investigating whether the cause of the problem is related or just coincidental, Mini spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters said. Germany's BMW AG (BAMXF) owns and operates all three car brands.

There have been 81 cases of water pump failure in Mini Coopers globally so far, Bauters said, including four engine compartment fires. No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this issue.

Worldwide, the Mini recall covers a total of 235,535 cars, Bauters said.

Cars being recalled include some model year 2007 through 2011 Mini Cooper S hatchbacks and convertibles; Mini Cooper Clubman S (the longer three-door Mini); and Mini Cooper Countryman S (the larger, four-door SUV Mini); as well as John Cooper Works high-performance versions of the Mini Cooper. Non-turbocharged Minis are not involved in the recall.

Mini Cooper dealers will replace auxiliary water pumps on the recalled cars.

Previously, BMW had recalled 32,000 BMW cars and 600 Rolls-Royces for possible turbo-related fires.  

source: http://www.ktla.com/

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