San Donato Milanese/Mugello. Alessandro Zanardi regala straordinarie emozioni al Mugello tagliando il traguardo di gara 2 davanti a tutti. Nel fine settimana di debutto al volante della BMW M6 GT3, il pilota ufficiale e brand ambassador BMW ha vinto l’ultima gara del Campionato Italiano GT dopo aver ottenuto il 6° posto ieri in gara 1. Zanardi è stato festeggiato sul podio da migliaia di fan e nei paddock da tutti gli amici del BMW Team Italia e ROAL Motorsport. Dopo una pausa di oltre un anno e due ori ed un argento vinte a Rio de Janeiro, l’ultimo appuntamento stagionale del Campionato Italiano GT al Mugello ha segnato il ritorno di Zanardi al volante. La sua BMW M6 GT3 del BMW Team Italia e ROAL Motorsport è stata appositamente modificata da BMW Motorsport.

Alex si era qualificato in terza posizione in griglia per la gara odierna, ma è partito al palo dopo un’incidente occorso alla vettura concorrente rimasta danneggiata e impossibilitata a partecipare alla competizione della domenica. Zanardi era terzo alla fine del primo giro, ma quando la finestra per i pit stop si è aperta, Alex è passato al comando. Dopo il suo pit stop obbligatorio, è tornato in pista ancora davanti a tutti. Zanardi ha continuato a guadagnare diversi secondi sugli inseguitori riuscendo così a vincere la sua primissima gara al volante della sua BMW M6 GT3. Ottima quarta la seconda BMW M6 GT3 di Alberto Cerqui e Stefano Comandini che sono riusciti a rimontare due posizioni dal 6° posto in griglia di partenza.

“Non ci sono parole per descrivere ciò che provo – ha commentato Zanardi –. Il tramonto non è mai stato così bello. Che anno, non solo che giornata. Ho rivissuto magnifici momenti a Rio de Janeiro e ora è fantastico tornare al volante di questa stupenda vettura. Ma vincere la gara è tutt’altra cosa. Non sono partito come avrei voluto, ma avevo un’ottima macchina. Sapevo che avrei dovuto infilare qualche giro buono mentre i ragazzi davanti a me si sarebbero fermati. E così ho fatto. Quando sono tornato in pista mi sono trovato al comando con un buon margine sugli inseguitori e avevo la velocità per mantenere le distanze e finire davanti a tutti. È incredibile. Voglio ringraziare tutti gli amici di Monaco che hanno compiuto uno straordinario sforzo nel adattare la bellissima BMW M6 GT3 alle mie esigenze preparandola in modo splendido. Voglio anche congratularmi con gli amici di BMW ad Hockenheim e in special modo con Marco Wittmann per la vittorio del titolo DTM. È uno straordinario e velocissimo giovane pilota. Lui e tutto il team BMW DTM con tutti i piloti possono essere fieri di ciò che sono riusciti a fare in questa stagione.

La partecipazione di Zanardi all’ultimo appuntamento del Campionato Italiano GT ha celebrato tre importanti anniversari: il prossimo fine settimana, il 23 ottobre, il pilota BMW festeggerà il suo 50° compleanno. Inoltre, BMW Italia festeggia i suoi 50 anni di attività e BMW Group il suo centenario. La speciale livrea della vettura ha onorato queste ricorrenze e le medaglie d’oro e d’argento vinte da Alex a Rio de Janeiro a settembre.

San Donato Milanese/Mugello. Nonostante non corresse in macchina da oltre un anno per concentrarsi sul para-ciclismo e che il Mugello segni il suo debutto sulla BMW M6 GT3, Zanardi è stato veloce fin dal principio. Dopo aver fatto registrare il 3° tempo nella prima sessione di prove libere di venerdì, Alex ha ottenuto l’ottavo tempo in qualifica per la gara di oggi e la terza posizione in griglia per la gara di domenica. Gara 1 si è svolta sulla durata di oltre 48 minuti, compreso un pit-stop obbligatorio. In particolare, le fasi finali sono state alquanto concitate, ma Zanardi ha messo a frutto tutta la sua esperienza portando la sua BMW M6 GT3 sesto posto sotto la bandiera a scacchi.

Meno fortunata la gara di Alberto Cerqui e Stefano Comandini con la BMW M6 GT3 numero 15 del BMW Team Italia, costretta la ritiro a tre giri dal termine a causa di una uscita di pista. Partiti dalla decima piazza in griglia, Cerqui-Comandini sono riusciti a rimontare posizioni su posizioni fino a prendere la testa della gara al 14° giro prima della sosta obbligatoria ai box. Rinetrati in 5° posizione dopo il pit stop, hanno battagliato per il podio fino al 21° giro, quando un incidente di gara e la conseguente uscita di pista li ha costretti al ritiro.

“È una sensazione incredibile essere di nuovo al volante – e correre con questa bellissima BMW M6 GT3”, ha detto Zanardi. “La macchina è fantastica. Ha un motore molto potente; va come un razzo sul rettilineo ed è agile come la BMW Z4 GT3 che conosco bene. Non corro da oltre un anno, ma non ho avuto difficoltà ad andare forte. La mia prima gara con la BMW M6 GT3 è stata molto competitivo. Finire in sesta posizione è sicuramente un ottimo risultato. Devo ammettere che nelle fasi iniziali della gara non mi sono sentito a mio agio come speravo. Probabilmente non abbiamo azzeccato la pressione degli pneumatici di destra. Ma verso la fine ero una delle auto più veloci là fuori. Questo è molto incoraggiante e sono sicuro che possiamo fare ancora meglio del 6° posto. Questo è il piano per domani, quando inizierò dalla terza posizione in griglia”.

La partecipazione di Zanardi nel finale del Campionato Italiano GT sarà l’occasione per festeggiare un triplice anniversario: il prossimo fine settimana, il 23 ottobre, il pilota ufficiale BMW festeggerà il suo 50° compleanno, BMW Italia festeggia il suo 50° anniversario quest'anno e il centenario di BMW. La macchina dispone di una livrea speciale, in onore di questi anniversari e delle medaglie d'oro e d'argento vinte da Zanardi a Rio de Janeiro lo scorso settembre.

BMW, one of the world’s most successful premium carmakers, also boasts an excellent position in the all-wheel-drive market, a segment it first entered 30 years ago. Around one in three BMW cars sold around the world is now equipped with the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW’s success in this segment has been driven not only by the ever-popular BMW X models but also by all-wheel-drive models based on the other model series, from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series. Across these model series, a large choice of AWD models is offered in a wide range of engine versions. At the same time, BMW continues to refine this technology and take it in new directions. By offering BMW xDrive in combination with a hybrid drive and with a front-wheel-drive platform, the company has repeatedly demonstrated its proficiency in the all-wheel-drive field, proficiency that will secure BMW’s position at the forefront of this sector well into the future. Today, BMW offers more than 110 models – of either transmission type – with BMW xDrive in 12 different model series, as well as the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car and the compact BMW 225xe with electrified all-wheel drive.

The focus from day one: traction and dynamics.
BMW’s first foray into the all-wheel-drive market came with the unveiling of the BMW 325i “Allrad” at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1985. From the outside, the newcomer didn’t immediately reveal its inner qualities, so its performance when the journalists took it out on the test track was even more of an eye-opener. This very first BMW all-wheel-drive system not only improved traction away from surfaced roads and in adverse weather conditions, but also made for more dynamic handling through corners. “The new BMW is the new champion when it comes to handling,” was the verdict of the testers from German car magazine Auto Zeitung not long after the first unveiling.

Today, the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system takes typical BMW driving dynamics to new levels. The current generation of this system is controlled by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) system, which ensures that xDrive always responds appropriately at the earliest possible moment, based on reliable sensing and monitoring of the current driving situation. The interventions may be performed either entirely by BMW xDrive, or by xDrive in combination with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). The resulting fast and precise control of drive power distribution ensures typical BMW handling characteristics even under extremely dynamic cornering.

The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the typical BMW rear-wheel-drive characteristics. That is to say, on the all-wheel-drive models a greater share of the drive power is sent to the rear wheels, even under normal driving conditions. This maintains the typical BMW precise steering response, with virtually no torque steer. For crisp turn-in and high tracking stability, the latest-generation BMW xDrive system starts increasing the amount of power sent to the rear wheels as soon as the vehicle enters a corner, further enhancing the driving pleasure for which BMW is a byword.

BMW all-wheel-drive technology: continuous evolution since 1985.
The full-time all-wheel-drive system featured on the BMW 325i “Allrad” of 1985 split the drive power in a ratio of 37 to 63 per cent between the front and rear wheels. In response to wheel speed differences, visco locks in the transfer case and rear differential were capable of providing a virtually rigid connection between the front and rear wheels, in order to improve traction and stability. This model’s name was soon changed to BMW 325iX, and from 1988 it was offered in a “touring” version as well (lower-case spelling up to and including the E46 series).

1991: BMW 525iX.
Three years on, BMW introduced an all-wheel-drive model in the BMW 5 Series too. For the first time, the power split was now electronically controlled. The newly developed system featured multi-plate clutches that allowed the default 36:64 front-to-rear power split to be varied seamlessly and automatically in line with driving conditions. Initially a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch was used at the rear axle, but this was later replaced by electronically controlled selective braking intervention. The system monitored the driving situation using wheel speed signals from the Anti-lock Braking System, supplemented by further information about brake status, engine speed and throttle valve position.

From the outset the all-wheel-drive system of the BMW 525iX was a class apart. The electronic control system delivered a very fast and precise response, resulting in safe, neutral handling characteristics even in difficult driving conditions, such as on wet roads or snow. In the BMW 5 Series, too, the first all-wheel-drive models were offered in both Sedan and touring versions.

1999: The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) opens a new chapter.
In the run-up to the new millennium, a highly innovative vehicle concept from BMW made its sensational debut. The BMW X5, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), impressed customers with driving dynamics that were unmatched among other all-terrain vehicles of the time. The outstanding all-wheel-drive system played a big part in this. A planetary gear system split the drive power in a ratio of 38:62 per cent between the front and rear wheels, while electronic control systems such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) ensured the new BMW X5 was both sporty on the road and equipped to handle challenging conditions off the beaten track.

In the years following the successful launch of the SAV concept, there was no let-up in the fast pace of all-wheel-drive development at BMW. The next year, 2000, a model-specific version of the BMW X5’s all-wheel drive technology became available for the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series.

2003: BMW xDrive makes its debut in the BMW X3 and BMW X5.
Four years on from the debut of the BMW X5 in 1999, BMW kept up the momentum by launching the SAV concept in a further vehicle segment. The new BMW X3 was more compact than the BMW X5 and offered even more agile handling. It set new benchmarks and remained the only premium model in its class for years to come.

The newly developed BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which was introduced in the same year in both the BMW X3 and the BMW X5, soon extended BMW’s lead in the AWD segment. Based on an extremely fast-acting electronic multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, xDrive worked in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) to continuously adapt the drive power split to the current driving situation. In addition to wheel speed, for the first time the electronic control system also took into account Dynamic Stability Control data, for example about steering angle, accelerator position and lateral acceleration. This is what makes BMW xDrive the world’s first, and still only, “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, which only react when at least one wheel is already spinning, xDrive is able to detect a risk of oversteer or understeer at the very first signs, and proactively corrects this by redirecting the flow of drive power.

In the years that followed, the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system was fitted not only on the X models but also on the xDrive versions of the BMW 3 and 5 Series Sedan and Touring models. By the time the second generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2010, more than 600,000 units of this series had already been sold worldwide. A little earlier, sales of the BMW X5 – which entered its second generation in 2006 – had topped the one million mark.

2008: SAC with Dynamic Performance Control and hybrid drive.
With the two Sports Activity Vehicles now firmly established in their respective segments, in 2007 BMW went on to present the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), the brand-new BMW X6 elevated the typical dynamic character of the BMW X models to a new level of intensity. For the first time, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system was combined with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), which varies the drive power split between the rear wheels when cornering to ensure unrivalled agility and stability, even under sudden throttle changes or on overrun. In 2009, the BMW Active Hybrid X6 demonstrated a further perfect pairing – between BMW xDrive and hybrid propulsion. Meanwhile, in the same year, BMW M GmbH added two very special models to its range of high-performance sports cars. With an M-tuned BMW xDrive system, including Dynamic Performance Control, the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M boasted performance that was previously unknown in the all-wheel-drive market.

2009 also saw the arrival of a new X model, the BMW X1. For many years to come, the BMW X1 was destined to remain the only vehicle of its kind in the premium compact segment. Its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, like that of the new BMW X3 (2010), was also combinable with Performance Control. This system selectively brakes the wheel on the inside of a turn while simultaneously increasing engine power, resulting in quick and precise turn-in to corners and taking the agile handling of both models to new levels.

BMW xDrive also available for other model series.
The steady advance of the BMW X models has been accompanied by an increase in the number of xDrive versions offered in the other BMW model series too. Designed to improve cornering agility and precision, BMW xDrive provides an enhanced driving experience and an optimal combination of dynamics and comfort. So it was only a matter of time before this intelligent drive technology made its debut in the BMW 7 Series as well, in 2009. In spring 2012, the first all-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models were then offered in the sporty BMW 6 Series. BMW xDrive can also be specified on the current BMW 3 and 5 Series and, since 2013, on the Convertible, Coupe and Gran Coupe models of the new BMW 4 Series.

Driving progress ever forward.
BMW took things forward in the premium mid-sized segment with the launch of the BMW X4 in 2014. The new Sports Activity Coupe offers a unique blend of driving enjoyment, sophisticated style and contemporary practicality. It comes with BMW xDrive as standard and is available in a wide range of engine versions. In the same year, BMW also presented the third generation of the BMW X5, the second generation of the BMW X6, and M Sport versions of both models. BMW xDrive also made its debut in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This was a debut with a difference, being the first time BMW had combined its intelligent all-wheel-drive system with an all-new front-wheel-drive format.

With the BMW i8, unveiled in 2014, the BMW Group took a bold new step in new directions – which also extended to the all-wheel-drive system. This 2+2-seater sports model is powered by a highly advanced plug-in hybrid drive system that pairs an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels with a high-performance electric motor driving the front wheels.

Focused on the future: BMW xDrive meets BMW eDrive.
BMW’s latest all-wheel-drive models bring technology advances that are firmly focused on the future of mobility. The BMW i8 was followed by the international launch of the first production plug-in hybrid model from the BMW core brand: the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Thanks to full-time BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive and eDrive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, this Sports Activity Vehicle mates thrilling and effortless sporty performance with outstanding efficiency. Intelligent hybrid power management synchronises the operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to maximise efficiency at all times, while also responding perfectly to the driver’s demands. The drive from the two power units is transferred to the road via the full-time BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW 7 Series: Integral Active Steering combinable with BMW xDrive.
In September 2015, the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This high-end BMW luxury model pioneers groundbreaking innovations on all fronts, and will be available with BMW xDrive from its market launch in October. The new luxury sedan will also be the first model to allow intelligent all-wheel-drive to be combined with Integral Active Steering – that is to say with passively steering rear wheels.

Please find attached the complete press kit for download.

BMW, one of the world’s most successful premium carmakers, also boasts an excellent position in the all-wheel-drive market, a segment it first entered 30 years ago. Around one in three BMW cars sold around the world is now equipped with the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW’s success in this segment has been driven not only by the ever-popular BMW X models but also by all-wheel-drive models based on the other model series, from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series. Across these model series, a large choice of AWD models is offered in a wide range of engine versions. At the same time, BMW continues to refine this technology and take it in new directions. By offering BMW xDrive in combination with a hybrid drive and with a front-wheel-drive platform, the company has repeatedly demonstrated its proficiency in the all-wheel-drive field, proficiency that will secure BMW’s position at the forefront of this sector well into the future. Today, BMW offers more than 110 models – of either transmission type – with BMW xDrive in 12 different model series, as well as the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car and the compact BMW 225xe with electrified all-wheel drive.

The focus from day one: traction and dynamics.
BMW’s first foray into the all-wheel-drive market came with the unveiling of the BMW 325i “Allrad” at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1985. From the outside, the newcomer didn’t immediately reveal its inner qualities, so its performance when the journalists took it out on the test track was even more of an eye-opener. This very first BMW all-wheel-drive system not only improved traction away from surfaced roads and in adverse weather conditions, but also made for more dynamic handling through corners. “The new BMW is the new champion when it comes to handling,” was the verdict of the testers from German car magazine Auto Zeitung not long after the first unveiling.

Today, the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system takes typical BMW driving dynamics to new levels. The current generation of this system is controlled by the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) system, which ensures that xDrive always responds appropriately at the earliest possible moment, based on reliable sensing and monitoring of the current driving situation. The interventions may be performed either entirely by BMW xDrive, or by xDrive in combination with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). The resulting fast and precise control of drive power distribution ensures typical BMW handling characteristics even under extremely dynamic cornering.

The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the typical BMW rear-wheel-drive characteristics. That is to say, on the all-wheel-drive models a greater share of the drive power is sent to the rear wheels, even under normal driving conditions. This maintains the typical BMW precise steering response, with virtually no torque steer. For crisp turn-in and high tracking stability, the latest-generation BMW xDrive system starts increasing the amount of power sent to the rear wheels as soon as the vehicle enters a corner, further enhancing the driving pleasure for which BMW is a byword.

BMW all-wheel-drive technology: continuous evolution since 1985.
The full-time all-wheel-drive system featured on the BMW 325i “Allrad” of 1985 split the drive power in a ratio of 37 to 63 per cent between the front and rear wheels. In response to wheel speed differences, visco locks in the transfer case and rear differential were capable of providing a virtually rigid connection between the front and rear wheels, in order to improve traction and stability. This model’s name was soon changed to BMW 325iX, and from 1988 it was offered in a “touring” version as well (lower-case spelling up to and including the E46 series).

1991: BMW 525iX.
Three years on, BMW introduced an all-wheel-drive model in the BMW 5 Series too. For the first time, the power split was now electronically controlled. The newly developed system featured multi-plate clutches that allowed the default 36:64 front-to-rear power split to be varied seamlessly and automatically in line with driving conditions. Initially a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch was used at the rear axle, but this was later replaced by electronically controlled selective braking intervention. The system monitored the driving situation using wheel speed signals from the Anti-lock Braking System, supplemented by further information about brake status, engine speed and throttle valve position.

From the outset the all-wheel-drive system of the BMW 525iX was a class apart. The electronic control system delivered a very fast and precise response, resulting in safe, neutral handling characteristics even in difficult driving conditions, such as on wet roads or snow. In the BMW 5 Series, too, the first all-wheel-drive models were offered in both Sedan and touring versions.

1999: The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) opens a new chapter.
In the run-up to the new millennium, a highly innovative vehicle concept from BMW made its sensational debut. The BMW X5, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), impressed customers with driving dynamics that were unmatched among other all-terrain vehicles of the time. The outstanding all-wheel-drive system played a big part in this. A planetary gear system split the drive power in a ratio of 38:62 per cent between the front and rear wheels, while electronic control systems such as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) ensured the new BMW X5 was both sporty on the road and equipped to handle challenging conditions off the beaten track.

In the years following the successful launch of the SAV concept, there was no let-up in the fast pace of all-wheel-drive development at BMW. The next year, 2000, a model-specific version of the BMW X5’s all-wheel drive technology became available for the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series.

2003: BMW xDrive makes its debut in the BMW X3 and BMW X5.
Four years on from the debut of the BMW X5 in 1999, BMW kept up the momentum by launching the SAV concept in a further vehicle segment. The new BMW X3 was more compact than the BMW X5 and offered even more agile handling. It set new benchmarks and remained the only premium model in its class for years to come.

The newly developed BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which was introduced in the same year in both the BMW X3 and the BMW X5, soon extended BMW’s lead in the AWD segment. Based on an extremely fast-acting electronic multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, xDrive worked in tandem with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) to continuously adapt the drive power split to the current driving situation. In addition to wheel speed, for the first time the electronic control system also took into account Dynamic Stability Control data, for example about steering angle, accelerator position and lateral acceleration. This is what makes BMW xDrive the world’s first, and still only, “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, which only react when at least one wheel is already spinning, xDrive is able to detect a risk of oversteer or understeer at the very first signs, and proactively corrects this by redirecting the flow of drive power.

In the years that followed, the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system was fitted not only on the X models but also on the xDrive versions of the BMW 3 and 5 Series Sedan and Touring models. By the time the second generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2010, more than 600,000 units of this series had already been sold worldwide. A little earlier, sales of the BMW X5 – which entered its second generation in 2006 – had topped the one million mark.

2008: SAC with Dynamic Performance Control and hybrid drive.
With the two Sports Activity Vehicles now firmly established in their respective segments, in 2007 BMW went on to present the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), the brand-new BMW X6 elevated the typical dynamic character of the BMW X models to a new level of intensity. For the first time, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system was combined with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), which varies the drive power split between the rear wheels when cornering to ensure unrivalled agility and stability, even under sudden throttle changes or on overrun. In 2009, the BMW Active Hybrid X6 demonstrated a further perfect pairing – between BMW xDrive and hybrid propulsion. Meanwhile, in the same year, BMW M GmbH added two very special models to its range of high-performance sports cars. With an M-tuned BMW xDrive system, including Dynamic Performance Control, the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M boasted performance that was previously unknown in the all-wheel-drive market.

2009 also saw the arrival of a new X model, the BMW X1. For many years to come, the BMW X1 was destined to remain the only vehicle of its kind in the premium compact segment. Its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, like that of the new BMW X3 (2010), was also combinable with Performance Control. This system selectively brakes the wheel on the inside of a turn while simultaneously increasing engine power, resulting in quick and precise turn-in to corners and taking the agile handling of both models to new levels.

BMW xDrive also available for other model series.
The steady advance of the BMW X models has been accompanied by an increase in the number of xDrive versions offered in the other BMW model series too. Designed to improve cornering agility and precision, BMW xDrive provides an enhanced driving experience and an optimal combination of dynamics and comfort. So it was only a matter of time before this intelligent drive technology made its debut in the BMW 7 Series as well, in 2009. In spring 2012, the first all-wheel-drive Coupe and Convertible models were then offered in the sporty BMW 6 Series. BMW xDrive can also be specified on the current BMW 3 and 5 Series and, since 2013, on the Convertible, Coupe and Gran Coupe models of the new BMW 4 Series.

Driving progress ever forward.
BMW took things forward in the premium mid-sized segment with the launch of the BMW X4 in 2014. The new Sports Activity Coupe offers a unique blend of driving enjoyment, sophisticated style and contemporary practicality. It comes with BMW xDrive as standard and is available in a wide range of engine versions. In the same year, BMW also presented the third generation of the BMW X5, the second generation of the BMW X6, and M Sport versions of both models. BMW xDrive also made its debut in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This was a debut with a difference, being the first time BMW had combined its intelligent all-wheel-drive system with an all-new front-wheel-drive format.

With the BMW i8, unveiled in 2014, the BMW Group took a bold new step in new directions – which also extended to the all-wheel-drive system. This 2+2-seater sports model is powered by a highly advanced plug-in hybrid drive system that pairs an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels with a high-performance electric motor driving the front wheels.

Focused on the future: BMW xDrive meets BMW eDrive.
BMW’s latest all-wheel-drive models bring technology advances that are firmly focused on the future of mobility. The BMW i8 was followed by the international launch of the first production plug-in hybrid model from the BMW core brand: the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Thanks to full-time BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive and eDrive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, this Sports Activity Vehicle mates thrilling and effortless sporty performance with outstanding efficiency. Intelligent hybrid power management synchronises the operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to maximise efficiency at all times, while also responding perfectly to the driver’s demands. The drive from the two power units is transferred to the road via the full-time BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

BMW 7 Series: Integral Active Steering combinable with BMW xDrive.
In September 2015, the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This high-end BMW luxury model pioneers groundbreaking innovations on all fronts, and will be available with BMW xDrive from its market launch in October. The new luxury sedan will also be the first model to allow intelligent all-wheel-drive to be combined with Integral Active Steering – that is to say with passively steering rear wheels.

Please find attached the complete press kit for download.

Indice In breve 2 Un'offerta esclusiva di BMW: la tecnologia ibrida per aumentare il piacere di guidare. La BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid 5 Dimensioni esterne 12

In breve

Carattere:

• Anteprima mondiale della BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, combinando un forte
aumento dell'efficienza con il tipico piacere di guida BMW.
• Lo stretto legame tra il concetto di categoria automobilistica nuova, la
Sports Activity Coupé, e l'innovativa tecnologia BMW ActiveHybrid genera una
vera conformità tra il design e la tecnica. Il potenziale offerto dal sistema
BMW ActiveHybrid sviluppa il proprio effetto ottimale nel concetto di Sports
Activity Coupe, unico su scala mondiale, creando le premesse per un'esperienza
di guida completamente nuova.
• La BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, il modello ibrido di BMW.
• Ma anche nel campo della dinamica di guida, la BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
dimostra la propria superiorità rispetto alle vetture ibride tradizionali. Il
consumo di carburante e le emissioni si riducono
fino al 20 rispetto ad un'automobile comparabile a trazione tradizionale.
• La versione più sportiva di un modello BMW X viene presentata in abbinamento
alla tecnologia ibrida. La superiorità della Sports Activity Coupé nel campo
della dinamica di guida si esprime nel linguaggio formale tipico di BMW e nel
design originale. Il disegno della carrozzeria abbina l'eleganza sportiva di
una BMW Coupé al marcato dna dei
modelli BMW X, sottolineando il concetto innovativo di propulsione.
Tecnologia:
• l'esperienza di guida nella BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid riflette il carattere
di una tipica BMW, contraddistinto dal più alto livello di dinamica. Le
richieste di carico vengono soddisfatte con la massima spontaneità e precisione
e confermate da un feedback acustico e tattile nello stile di una vettura a
motore a combustione interna.

• BMW ActiveHybrid è parte integrale della strategia di sviluppo
BMW EfficientDynamics. BMW utilizza questa tecnologia per compiere
un ulteriore passo verso una riduzione progressiva del consumo di carburante e
delle emissioni. BMW ActiveHybrid si basa su un principio modulare della
strategia "Best of Hybrid" e punta sull'integrazione dei componenti più adatti
nei vari concetti motoristici.
• Grazie all'integrazione del cambio attivo Two-Mode, vengono messe a
disposizione due modalità differenti di esercizio elettrico. Una modalità
è stata sviluppata per la fase di avviamento e per la guida a basse velocità,
mentre la seconda è prevista per la guida a velocità superiori, così da
sfruttare in ogni situazione in modo ottimale la coppia generata dall'
elettromotore.
• L'innovativo cambio attivo Two-Mode consente una trasmissione variabile delle
coppie, ripartendole attraverso dei cambi epicicloidali. Il principio integra
un elettromotore e la guida con rapporti di demoltiplicazione fissi in un
sistema unico. La conseguenza è una combinazione innovativa ed intelligente dei
potenziali di efficienza e di dinamica del motore a combustione interna e dell'
elettromotore.
• Nell'ambito della cooperazione nel settore dell'ibrido con la General Motors
e la DaimlerChrysler a Troy/USA, è stato sviluppato con successo il cambio
attivo Two-Mode. Inoltre, è assicurata la realizzazione della catena cinematica
secondo le esigenze particolari di BMW.

Design esterno:
• l'immagine muscolosa del corpo vettura viene abbinata all'andamento sportivo
della Greenhouse. La linea filante del tetto è un elemento caratteristico,
analogamente al profilo da Coupé e allo sbalzo anteriore corto, al passo lungo
e alla sporgenza lunga della coda.
• Il design della BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid riflette il tipico dna dei
modelli BMW X. L'armonia estetica che si rivela nella figura di profilo tra
ruote anteriori e ruote posteriori sottolinea il sistema di trazione integrale
intelligente BMW xDrive.
• L'orientamento verso le ruote è il secondo elemento dominante del design
della scocca. I passaruota muscolosi e le grandi ruote esprimono la robustezza
della vettura.

• La nervatura laterale si evolve dinamicamente, formando una parabola
ascendente verso il posteriore; insieme alla crescente distanza tra la linea di
spalla e dei longheroni laterali essa crea una dinamica forma a cuneo.
• La marcata vista frontale accentua la larghezza ed esprime la personalità
tipica di tutti i modelli BMW X. Gli stilemi principali sono il grande doppio
rene BMW con le robuste asticelle il quale funge anche da presa d'aria.
• Il cofano motore si contraddistingue per la forte bombatura del powerdome e
per delle forme pulite, suddivise da linee nitide che convergono nella loro
evoluzione verso il doppio rene BMW.
• La forma esclusiva del quarto montante esprime potenza e stabilità.
Il design innovativo delle luci posteriori sottolinea la larghezza della
vettura. Le linee orizzontali accentuano la carreggiata larga.
• Le protezioni antincastro anteriore e posteriore sono realizzate in alluminio
spazzolato. La protezione antincastro posteriore è mobile e copre
i terminali di scarico quando la BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid viene azionata
dall'elettromotore.
• I battitacchi con una striscia blu e la scritta BMW ActiveHybrid attirano l'
attenzione sul concetto esclusivo di propulsione. La vernice chiara della
carrozzeria genera un forte contrasto con la grafica scura dei cristalli.
Delle ruote da 21 pollici presentano un innovativo design tridimensionale dei
cerchi.