As reported by BMW
Anniversary: Premiere for fascinating concept vehicles and pioneering technologies.
The history of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has been defined by a long track record of concept vehicles and technological innovations which generated pioneering impetus for the development of series vehicles, components and systems. The influence of research projects exerts varying effects on series development, depending on the subject focus and complexity. The scope ranges from direct implementation in the form of a concrete project to long-term development of technology competence. BMW Group Research and Technology is presenting a selection of projects to celebrate this landmark anniversary. The specialists working at the centre have developed these projects and some of them will be experienced for the first time outside the confines of the well-guarded laboratories and workshops.
Milestones: from the BMW Z1 to the lightweight sports coupé BMW Z29
BMW Technik GmbH was launched in 1985 with the mission to develop innovative solutions for a large number of aspects associated with individual mobility. The specialists working in the newly established department were able to get to grips with this mission successfully in the very first project they tackled. They developed the BMW Z1 roadster. This vehicle project was intended to trial innovative materials, launch a revolutionary bodywork concept, and highlight opportunities for optimising development processes. The result was so impressive that already three years later the first out of a total of 8 000 series vehicles left the Munich BMW Plant. With its plastic body, vertical sliding doors and fascinating handling properties, the BMW Z1 was not simply the first milestone in the history of BMW Technik GmbH – it also made its mark as an exceptional phenomenon on the road.
BMW E1: pioneer for electro-mobility
The same year already saw BMW Technik GmbH presenting the BMW Z15. This first fully functional concept vehicle with pure electric drive was a development of the BMW Z11 electric vehicle presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991. As a prototype with the model designation BMW E1, the four-seater incorporated a design with pioneering aerodynamic and ergonomic features that provided impressive testimony to the superlative potential of its emission-free drive technology even in normal everyday use. The BMW E1 provided a range of up to 200 kilometres and a top speed of 120 km/h. The prototype generated universal acclaim among members of the public and independent testers. The readers’ choice in car magazine “Auto Zeitung” voted the BMW E1 as the winner in the category “Environment and Technology”, and trade magazine “Auto Bild” described the BMW E1 as “the most advanced car of the century”.
Anniversary: Premiere for fascinating concept vehicles and pioneering technologies.
The history of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has been defined by a long track record of concept vehicles and technological innovations which generated pioneering impetus for the development of series vehicles, components and systems. The influence of research projects exerts varying effects on series development, depending on the subject focus and complexity. The scope ranges from direct implementation in the form of a concrete project to long-term development of technology competence. BMW Group Research and Technology is presenting a selection of projects to celebrate this landmark anniversary. The specialists working at the centre have developed these projects and some of them will be experienced for the first time outside the confines of the well-guarded laboratories and workshops.
Milestones: from the BMW Z1 to the lightweight sports coupé BMW Z29
BMW Technik GmbH was launched in 1985 with the mission to develop innovative solutions for a large number of aspects associated with individual mobility. The specialists working in the newly established department were able to get to grips with this mission successfully in the very first project they tackled. They developed the BMW Z1 roadster. This vehicle project was intended to trial innovative materials, launch a revolutionary bodywork concept, and highlight opportunities for optimising development processes. The result was so impressive that already three years later the first out of a total of 8 000 series vehicles left the Munich BMW Plant. With its plastic body, vertical sliding doors and fascinating handling properties, the BMW Z1 was not simply the first milestone in the history of BMW Technik GmbH – it also made its mark as an exceptional phenomenon on the road.
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| Photo: BMW |
BMW E1: pioneer for electro-mobility
The same year already saw BMW Technik GmbH presenting the BMW Z15. This first fully functional concept vehicle with pure electric drive was a development of the BMW Z11 electric vehicle presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1991. As a prototype with the model designation BMW E1, the four-seater incorporated a design with pioneering aerodynamic and ergonomic features that provided impressive testimony to the superlative potential of its emission-free drive technology even in normal everyday use. The BMW E1 provided a range of up to 200 kilometres and a top speed of 120 km/h. The prototype generated universal acclaim among members of the public and independent testers. The readers’ choice in car magazine “Auto Zeitung” voted the BMW E1 as the winner in the category “Environment and Technology”, and trade magazine “Auto Bild” described the BMW E1 as “the most advanced car of the century”.
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| Photo: BMW |