As automakers seek ways to create more efficient cars withou
compromising power or driveability, eyes are increasingly turning t
new technologies and ideas. One of the leaders in this field is BMW
which has already shown off several innovative ideas such as usin
electricity generated by exhaust gas heat and solar power to take th
electrical load off the engine and thereby improve efficiency an
reduce emissions.
[image
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/b/m/bmw_thermoelectric_exhaust_main
630_01-0309-630x360.jpg]
This is only the start for BMW, however, as the automaker has a bevy o
other fuel saving technologies up its sleeve. Autocar is reporting tha
many of these new technologies will be appearing on the next-generatio
1-series hatchback due in 2011.

In addition to the EfficientDynamics features already available today
such as engine stop-start systems and low rolling resistance tires, th
next 1-series will reportedly get a pre-heating system for the engine
differential and gearbox to ensure the car is running at its optima
efficiency as soon as the wheels start turning. The engine stop-star
system will also be available for the first time on automatic model
and a new electro-mechanical steering system will be added.

Further down the track, we should be seeing more advanced features suc
as the aforementioned heat-energy recovery systems, as well as variabl
frontal aerodynamics, regenerative brakes, and even a satellite-aide
traffic management system. This latter feature is designed to hel
improve efficiency by anticipating when acceleration or braking will b
necessary, and smoothing out the transitions between the two, resultin
in better fuel economy.

*Source:  http://car.ohbabe.info/ver2/?cmd=act:news|newsid:2792

--
notlove