BMW has been under fire recently for their cars becoming heavier and losing the essence of the Ultimate Driving Machine. While weight is a crucial aspect of car production that every BMW engineer tries to keep as low as possible, there are many factors that contribute to the overall weight of a car. Driving dynamics is just one of the many benefits of a low weight car.
From concept to production, designing a car involves much more than just sketching. Finding ways to shed weight is a continuous process that requires a lot of innovation and creativity. Not every YouTuber can be a designer, and there is certainly more to design than just sketching.
Key Takeaways
- BMW’s recent criticism for heavier cars is not entirely accurate as there are many factors that contribute to the weight of a car.
- Designing a car involves much more than just sketching, and finding ways to shed weight is a continuous process.
- Driving dynamics is one of the many benefits of a low weight car.
From Concept to Production
The BMW i8 is a testament to BMW’s attention to detail when it comes to managing vehicle weight. The i8 was born out of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics project in 2010, which initially set a weight target that seemed achievable in concept form due to the absence of production car crash systems and electrical architecture. However, transitioning from concept to production proved to be a challenging task.
Former BMW engineer Carsten Breitfeld led the production team, which faced a tight 36-month deadline to prepare the i8 for production. This involved extensive revisions, including packaging, legislative requirements, manufacturing feasibility, and, most importantly, cost and weight considerations. According to Steve Saxty’s book “Hidden Gems,” controlling weight and costs is critical, particularly for a low-volume, high-performance sports car.
The i8’s production team had to balance the car’s performance and design with the need to meet regulations and keep costs low. This required careful consideration of every component and system, from the car’s electrical architecture to its crash systems. Ultimately, the team succeeded in creating a sleek, high-performance sports car that meets all regulatory requirements while still being lightweight and efficient.
There is More To Design Than Sketching
Designing a car is not just about creating an aesthetically pleasing exterior. The design process involves a collaboration between the design and engineering teams to ensure that the car can be manufactured within the constraints of production. This means that any design changes must be carefully considered to avoid unsettling engineering colleagues.
Benoit Jacob, former head of BMW i design, highlights the importance of maintaining communication between the design and engineering teams. A minor adjustment to the BMW i8’s front end resulted in the car growing in size by just 10 mm (0.39 inches), which caused confusion among the engineering team who were left out of the loop. This demonstrates how even small design changes can have a significant impact on the manufacturing process.
Designers must also consider the functionality of the car, such as aerodynamics and weight distribution, in addition to its visual appeal. This requires a deep understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes. Therefore, a car designer’s role is not limited to sketching, but also involves a thorough understanding of engineering and production constraints.
In summary, designing a car requires a balance between visual appeal and functionality, and a collaboration between the design and engineering teams to ensure that the car can be manufactured within the constraints of production.
Finding A Way To Shed 40 Grams
When BMW engineers added 120 g of plastic and aluminum to the bumper of the car, they had to find a way to offset the increased weight by reducing 40 g elsewhere. To achieve this, they identified the windshield wiper arm as a target for weight reduction. The engineers drilled three holes in the wiper arm to reduce its weight, which helped the car meet the weight requirement while maintaining its stylish appearance.
This display of engineering ingenuity highlights the importance of weight reduction in the automotive industry. Even small changes can have significant weight implications, and the need to meet crash requirements and maintain stiffness in the car can make weight reduction a challenge. However, with the right approach, engineers can find creative solutions to reduce weight without compromising safety or design.
In this case, the BMW Board authorized the design and engineering team to make the necessary changes to the car, but with the requirement to offset the increased weight. The engineers’ ability to identify the windshield wiper arm as a target for weight reduction demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the field of automotive engineering. Overall, this example shows that even small changes can have a significant impact on a car’s weight, and engineers must be creative in finding ways to reduce weight while maintaining safety and design standards.
Not Every Youtuber Can Be A Designer
Designing a car is a complex process that involves more than just creativity and imagination. It also encompasses cost control, legal compliance, and weight management. While some YouTubers may have an eye for design, it takes a team of experts to bring a car from concept to reality. Criticizing designers without acknowledging these intricacies undermines the collaborative efforts shaping automotive excellence.
It’s important to recognize that automotive design is a multifaceted process that requires a range of skills and expertise. While social media can be a platform for criticism, it’s crucial to consider the complexities involved in car design and production. As highlighted in “Hidden Gems,” the glamour of car design belies the hard work and attention to detail required to create a successful vehicle.
For those interested in learning more about BMW design, the “BMW: Behind The Scenes” three-volume boxed set offers behind-the-scenes stories and insights. Alternatively, the “BMW by Design” book provides a comprehensive look at the design process. However, it’s important to remember that these resources only scratch the surface of the intricate world of automotive design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the partnership between Tesla and BMW?
Tesla and BMW entered into a collaboration agreement in 2014 to share their knowledge and expertise in electric vehicle (EV) technology. The partnership involves co-developing EV components, such as batteries and charging systems, and sharing intellectual property related to EV technology.
How will the Tesla-BMW partnership impact the automotive industry?
The partnership between Tesla and BMW has the potential to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the automotive industry. By sharing their expertise and collaborating on the development of EV technology, Tesla and BMW can drive down costs and improve the performance of EVs. This could make EVs more attractive to consumers and increase their market share.
What technologies are being shared or co-developed by Tesla and BMW?
Tesla and BMW are sharing their knowledge and expertise in EV technology, including battery technology, charging systems, and power electronics. They are also collaborating on the development of lightweight components and materials to improve the efficiency and performance of EVs.
In which areas are Tesla and BMW focusing their collaborative efforts?
Tesla and BMW are focusing their collaborative efforts on the development of EV components, such as batteries, charging systems, and power electronics. They are also working on the development of lightweight components and materials to improve the efficiency and performance of EVs.
What has been the response of the market to the Tesla-BMW collaboration?
The response of the market to the Tesla-BMW collaboration has been positive, with many industry experts seeing the partnership as a positive step towards the wider adoption of EVs. The collaboration has also helped to improve the reputation of both companies in the EV space.
How does the collaboration between Tesla and BMW enhance their competitive edge?
The collaboration between Tesla and BMW enhances their competitive edge by allowing them to share their knowledge and expertise in EV technology, which can help to drive down costs and improve the performance of their EVs. This can make their EVs more attractive to consumers and give them an edge over their competitors in the EV market.