The BMW S 1000 XR, launched at the 2014 EICMA show in Italy this month, is the first series model to receive Continental’s newly-enhanced Motorcycle Integral Brake (MIB) system. The latest version of MIB builds on the motorcycle anti-lock braking system Continental has manufactured for more than a decade by adding an optimised curve braking function that facilitates safer braking in curves.
Pirelli received one, and so has Bridgestone: The tyre maker is the new owner of a BMW Supplier Innovation Award 2014. Bridgestone was awarded in the ‘Efficient Dynamics’ category in recognition of the ologic technology it developed for the BMW i3. The honour was presented to Bridgestone Europe’s CEO and president, Franco Annunziato, by Gerhard Kurz, BMW’s senior vice-president Purchasing Driving Dynamics, at an official ceremony in Amsterdam on 1 October.
Pirelli has been presented with the 2014 BMW Supplier Innovation Award, a prize that the German manufacturer gives to its most innovative suppliers every year. The Italian tyre firm was awarded the ‘best innovation in quality’ prize at a ceremony held yesterday in Amsterdam, for its Real Dynamic Curing technology: used in the tyre vulcanisation process.
The continuing success story of the MINI brand was further underlined as the British manufacturer announced the production of its three millionth car since 2001, and its two millionth international export. Relaunched in 2001 under the stewardship of the BMW Group, the MINI brand has become one of the most popular in the automotive world.
It bears more than a passing resemblance to the M1 of three decades ago and represents something of a sea change in how hybrid vehicles are perceived by performance car fans; such is the popularity of the new BMW i8, UK stocks of the £95,000 supercar sold out within two weeks. New buyers have been informed they face a wait of up to ten months to receive their pride and joy.
Bridgestone has put its money where its mouth is by adding a number of all-electric BMW i3 vehicles to the car pool attached to its European headquarters near Brussels, and by equipping the headquarters site with recharging points. The tyre maker says the presence of electric vehicles in its fleet underlines its faith in the concept of sustainable mobility.
Figures from the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveal that sales were buoyant in March. “It is extremely positive to see that the motorcycle market was up by an impressive 18.2 per cent last month following February’s -3.6 per cent decline”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.
Evo Corse has introduced a new lightweight aluminium alloy wheel, the X3MA Zero, available in size 15×8”. With racing pedigree, the manufacturer says the wheel features better handling, acceleration, and cooling during braking, as well as high stiffness and strength. Available from May 2014 for BMW, VW and Ford applications, the 6.1kg wheel will be […]
Those attending the MCN Motorcycle Show in London back in February were amongst the first to see Michelin’s latest-generation sport touring tyre up close. Since that time, the Pilot Road 4 has been officially launched, and its manufacturer says the range’s introduction confirms Michelin’s number one status in the European and North America sport touring radial markets. Michelin also says the new line-up sees the brand “continue to push out the envelope” in terms of overall performance. Amongst the improvements Michelin promises riders are better wet braking and greater longevity.
The recently-launched 4-Series Coupé has become the sixth BMW Group model to be fitted with Hankook tyres. The 4-Series will be factory equipped with Hankook’s high-end Ventus S1 evo² in size 225/50 R 17 W.
Although only launched into the European replacement market at the start of the year, Michelin says its Latitude Sport 3 range for SUVs crossovers is earning the company rave reviews. And in addition to a positive response in the aftermarket, the Latitude Sport 3 has been approved for original equipment fitment on a number of vehicles, including the new Porsche Macan, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90.
Exide has launched the 12/7 Battery Charger, a unit it says is specifically designed to always achieve 100 per cent charge, even in extreme weather. The 12/7 works for all types and sizes of 12v batteries, including those for cars, motorcycles, boats and caravans. The unit is aimed at both consumers and professionals.
Mitas has announced that it will extend its range of Sport Force tyres for sport and touring motorcycles. One new rear and two new front tyres will be added to the range, first introduced in September 2013 with three rear sizes and one front size. The Mitas Sport Force includes technologies such as OGT 3D (3-D Optimum Groove Technology); SCT (Strong Carcass Technology); and an FEA (Finite Element Analysis) optimised footprint. The new sizes will allow riders of models from BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and more to fit Mitas Sport Forces.
Bilstein has released details of a range of adjustable damper upgrade for BMW’s E92 M3. The German firm, which has many solutions for this platform, now offers full plug and play compatibility with the factory EDC system, keeping full functionality with the factory switchgear. The EDC-compatible unit is based on the Bilstein B6 unit and […]
TyreSafe has circulated an image that highlights the lack of attention some drivers pay to their tyres. The safety organisation received a photo of a highly illegal and dangerous tyre from an independent tyre dealer, who removed it from a customer’s high BMW 3-Series, and has used it as a reminder of the importance of checking tread depth and tyre condition. As can be seen from the accompanying photo, the tyre was so worn that none of its tread pattern remained, making it virtually useless in the wet. Furthermore, the wear was so great on one shoulder of the tyre that the integrity of the tyre’s carcass had been compromised, with potentially fatal high speed consequences.
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