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BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research

George Kennedy — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, BMW

BMW has been at the forefront of volume automakers looking to invest in carbon fiber technology. The latest development in the German automaker's efforts is in the form of a joint venture with aircraft giant Boeing. According to a joint press release, the two companies will collaborate on further development of the lightweight material, including production methods and carbon fiber recycling.

The partnership is a fitting one, as Boeing and BMW have both been pushing carbon fiber development in their respective industries. BMW has invested in carbon fiber producer SGL Group, and created the i3 and i8 concepts with heavy use of the material. Meanwhile, Boeing has developed the 787 Dreamliner (seen above), which is 50 percent carbon fiber.

The recycling of these materials, including recycling excess byproduct as well as the product at the end of its use, is essential. According to the press release below, the two companies will together look for ways to reclaim the material at the end of its product life.

Seattle, WA is the corporate home for Boeing, and is a little over 2.5 hours from BMW's Moses Lake facility. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire helped BMW secure the location for that facility, and and played a roll in putting together this joint venture. "This exciting partnership between two global players was an industry win for our state," said Gregoire, "this will help Washington further develop our capabilities and leadership position in the game-changing technology of carbon fiber."

This development will hopefully yield less expensive production methods, and the proliferation of carbon fiber material in both the aeronautical and automotive industries. Check out more on this development in the press release below.

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BMW, Boeing weave agreement on carbon fiber recycling research originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is what a six-rotor Wankel looks and sounds like

George Kennedy — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Videos, Australia

Ah, the Wankel. You magnificent, high-reving feat of unorthodox engineering. Your biggest champion, Mazda, may have left you - at least for the moment - but that doesn't mean some mad mechanics can't rally you and a few friends for a high-horsepower party.

The folks over at Pulse Performance Race Engineering of New Zealand have constructed an engine made from six, count 'em, six Wankel rotors. The mere fact that this engine starts and runs is a testament to the mechanical know-how of these guys. For comparison's sake, Mazda's own Le Mans-winning 787 prototype utilized a four-rotor Wankel. Another four-rotor was constructed by BMI Racing's "Mad Mike," whose engines are worked on by Pulse Performance.

Scroll below to see the video and hear it for yourself. The engine's sound is not what you would expect from a rotary, and if we're being honest we don't find it terribly pleasant to listen to, but it's still an awfully impressive feat of engineering. We're not sure what kind of vehicle this insane powerplant will grace (we're guessing a drag car), but whatever it is, it figures to be one-of-a-kind.

Continue reading This is what a six-rotor Wankel looks and sounds like

This is what a six-rotor Wankel looks and sounds like originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW studio designs jet for fictional Russian billionaires

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW

Imagine you're a Russian magnate with a globetrotting lifestyle. What could be more perfect than your very own Boeing 787? BMW Designworks USA was apparently picturing a cross between a James Bond Villain and a successful Gen-Xer when they dreamt up a custom interior, converting the sky-dwelling bus into a monster executive jet. The interior is ultra-chic with lots of clean white expanses. A window in the floor lets you check on the status of your four-wheeled executive transport -- A BMW, natch.

The jet probably has more square footage than most commoner's homes, and though the entire thing is a flight of fancy, studying the images for details reveals a mobile command post we'd never want to leave. There's hardwood floors, a multi-level foyer, a bar that looks like it came out of some trendy euro nightclub, a conference room, and a several chic living suites. The interior was created for the Hamburg Aircraft Interior Expo, to showcase BMW Designworks's abilities. A seperate entity from the car side of BMW, Designworks has had their hands in the design of tons of cool stuff, from cellphones to John Deere tractors. Maybe they should let Designworks try their hand at the next 7-series?

[Source: Gadling]

Gallery: BMW DesignWorks 787

BMW studio designs jet for fictional Russian billionaires originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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