This is very good technologies that can make much better driving
The BMW 3 Series is the German luxury brand’s best-selling model, and as such any changes that are made to its styling, features and drivetrain are subject to months, if not years of agonizing internal debate before being finalized. An article published by Autocar.co.uk recently delved into a few of the concepts that will form the backbone of the upcoming 2013 BMW 3 Series, which represents the future generation of the current model.
Part of BMW’s strategy with the next edition of the BMW 3 Series is to leverage its technological know-how to not only gain a luxury advantage over the competition but also to introduce better fuel efficiency across the model lineup. Several of the new features planned for the 2013 3 Series are a manifestation of the company’s Efficient Dynamics strategy which has been tapped to help lead the automaker triumphantly past the stringent corporate average fuel economy requirements looming on the horizon in the United States.
The 2013 BMW 3 Series will make use of a network of sensors installed around the entire perimeter of the automobile that are charged with gathering data to be used by something called the Connected Drive system. This information will be processed alongside the vehicle position data sourced from the navigation system as well as several other upcoming environmental awareness systems in order to allow the vehicle’s engine and transmission to automatically adapt to terrain and driving conditions, therefore promoting efficiency. BMW has stated that Connected Drive will reduce the fuel used by the 2013 BMW 3 Series by 15 percent in comparison to the current model.
The vehicle’s satellite navigation system will also play an independent role in the quest for reduced fuel consumption by proposing not just the shortest or the fastest route to a given destination, but also the option that presents the most MPG-friendly path between point A and point B. BMW plans to further integrate this functionality into its upcoming hybrid editions in order to maximize battery life and reduce gasoline engine use through careful route selection.
BMW also plans on other uses for the exterior sensors mounted on the 2013 3 Series. Systems such as automatic parking at first seem to mimic convenience features already found on a number of high end models currently on the market place, but BMW plans to up the ante by allowing for drivers to actually exit the vehicle and park it by remote control. It is unclear whether an unmanned parking strategy is desirable or even legal in the U.S. market. Additionally, BMW will provide steering inputs fed by laser sensors in order to help avoid obstacles lurking on the side of the road or in front of the vehicle, as well as the somewhat controversial AMULETT detection system. This equipment automatically scans for transponders worn by children and stops the 3 Series dead in its tracks should a child run into the roadway unexpectedly.
Some of these features will be introduced on the more expensive 2012 BMW 6 Series prior to their implementation on the 3 Series, giving the company more time to amortize its investment as well as analyze customer reactions. Some of the safety and convenience technology planned by BMW could be considered intrusive by drivers, especially those attracted to the brand by its sport-oriented image rather than its luxury trappings. It remains to be seen if BMW’s decision to differentiate itself through high tech investment will garner increased attention on the market or a backlash from its loyal fanbase.
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