Dear Members,
Your Committee is closely monitoring the developing situation regarding concerns surrounding the COVID-19 Coronavirus and how it may affect upcoming events in the coming months.
We are taking advice from Motorsport Australia and the Victorian and Federal Governments regarding upcoming events, see below for links to Government and Health Dept Agencies etc.
At the moment, none of our events are directly affected by the restrictions currently imposed by the State Government. It is our intention that all current BMWDCM events will continue as planned, unless it becomes apparent that it is unsafe to do so.
Your welfare is paramount.
We will continue to monitor the situation with the relevant authorities and provide regular updates as required via our website, email and social media platforms.
If you are feeling unwell for whatever reason, we recommend you follow the Health Department guidelines and seek appropriate care as required, including self-isolation if necessary. Please also refrain from attending Club events if you are at all concerned you may be unwell.
If you are concerned about coming to an event you have already registered for, we understand if you wish to withdraw but please let us know. You can cancel your registration for an event via the relevant event's page on our website or you can email any of the committee by clicking our names at the bottom of this email.
Should you require any further information in relation to COVID-19, click here.
All BMWDCM Members, officials and volunteers are urged to follow the government’s advice on how best to protect yourself from the virus and practice good hygiene methods, whether within the club, at home or anywhere else. You are very welcome to call or email us if you have any questions or concerns.
The Committee BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
References: Motorsport Australia update 14 March 2020Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alertDepartment of Health | Active Health AlertsSport & Recreation Victoria update 14 March 2020
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695GBMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International CouncilMotorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club
The final stretch on the way to the "Hall of Fame" of BMW sports cars: Six years after its market launch, the BMW i8 ends its product life cycle. When production of the BMW i8 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 42 g/km*) and the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 46 g/km) ceases, the plug-in hybrid sports cars will have long secured their place among the company's milestones. The BMW i8 started its worldwide success story as a unique symbiosis of futuristic design and pioneering technology. The BMW Group's first plug-in hybrid model paved the way for driving pleasure that was as dynamic as it was sustainable and became the epitome of the fascination of driving with electrified drive technology. It laid the foundation for the BMW Group's now broad range of plug-in hybrid models. At the same time, the BMW i8 developed into the world's most successful sports car with an electrified drive system. With more than 20 000 units sold since 2014, it achieved higher sales than all competitors in its segment combined.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics was already an enticing prospect for the future of individual mobility. The concept study presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 2009 represented the promise of combining hallmark BMW driving pleasure and inspiring design with pioneering sustainability. The study of a 2+2-seater sports car with gull-wing doors, a reinterpretation of the typical BMW design language, plug-in hybrid system and four-wheel drive that is entirely geared towards aesthetics and efficiency, met with an overwhelming response. With the announcement that the central features of its design and technology would be transferred to a production vehicle of the new BMW i brand and thus start into a new era of driving pleasure the BMW Group soon triggered enthusiastic reactions.
The BMW i8 made its world premiere at the IAA motor show in 2013 together with the BMW i3. The double debut was the starting signal for implementing a comprehensive electrification strategy, with which the BMW Group set the early and consistent course for a model programme geared towards sustainable driving pleasure. Today the company is one of the world's leading suppliers of vehicles with electrified drive systems. Besides the purely electrically driven BMW i3 (fuel consumption combined: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km), BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) and MINI Cooper SE (fuel consumption combined:0.0 l/100 km; power consumption combined: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km), plug-in hybrid models are available in all relevant segments, from the compact and mid-size class, through the BMW X models, to sports cars and luxury sedans. The BMW Group plans to expand its range to include 25 electrified models by 2023, more than half of which will run on electric power alone.
As a pioneer and flagship for driving pleasure with plug-in hybrid technology, the BMW i8 was the ideal vehicle for the job right from the start. And this not only applies to its role as Safety Car in the FIA Formula E Championship, which it already took on in 2014. The BMW i8 is the world's first sports car that had been developed with sustainability in mind right from the outset. In particular, new paths were forged with the BMW i specific vehicle architecture and the plug-in hybrid system. The combination of a passenger cell made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) with an aluminium chassis was just as revolutionary as the intelligently controlled interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor. The vehicle concept of a 2+2-seater, the aerodynamically optimized design, the intelligent lightweight construction and the innovative drive concept were aimed at resolving the contradiction between dynamics and efficiency that prevails in conventional automotive engineering. As a result of this innovative approach, the BMW i8 offers the driving performance of a top-class sports car - combined with average fuel consumption at small car level.
The control of its plug-in hybrid system was designed both for dynamic power delivery and for the most efficient interaction of the two engines. The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology transfers its power to the rear wheels. The electric motor drives the front wheels. The result is a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive with a noticeably positive influence on traction, agility and driving stability. This, and the spontaneous power delivery of the electric motor with a maximum torque of 250 Nm available immediately from standstill, means that the sporting character of the BMW i8 also comes into its own in purely electric and therefore locally emission-free driving. Up to 120 km/h can be reached in pure electric driving mode. The combined drive torque of both engines unleashes inspiring performance characteristics in the style of a high-performance sports car.
Driving dynamics and efficiency are also enhanced by the LifeDrive architecture typical for BMW i. The design principle of the BMW i8 was completely and exclusively geared to a plug-in hybrid drive from the ground up. The body structure and powertrain were developed as a conceptual unit, which helped the BMW i8 achieve the authentic character of a trailblazing sports car. The passenger cell (life module) made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the drive module made of aluminium, which in addition to the engines, power electronics and chassis also includes the structural and crash functions, not only enabled a DIN empty weight of less than 1 500 kilograms, but also a balanced axle load distribution in the ratio 50 : 50. And since the high-voltage battery was placed centrally and low in the vehicle, the centre of gravity was shifted far down.
Right from the start, the pioneering function of the BMW i8 extended far beyond establishing BMW eDrive technology in an iconic sports car. The extensive use of CFRP in the body structure and the clearly visible measures to reduce air resistance, set new standards in the areas of intelligent lightweight construction and aerodynamics. Together with the BMW i3, the plug-in hybrid sports car paved the way for innovative manufacturing technologies, with which the BMW Group became a pioneer in the use of CFRP in the industrial production of series-produced automobiles. The experience gained at BMW i with this particularly light high-tech material secured the BMW Group lightweight construction expertise that is unique in the automotive industry and has since been used in the development of CFRP components for other BMW models.
The progressive character of the BMW i8 was also evident at first glance in the expressive yet aerodynamically optimised design of its exterior. Its dynamic sports car proportions and the gull-wing-like doors that swing open to the front still attract attention today. The flat front end, the almost completely closed BMW kidney grille, air curtains in the front apron, the covered underbody, contoured side skirts, the lines of the side section known as Stream Flow, and the air ducts between the rear lights and the roof frame also allow the wind to be directed in a targeted manner. It not only results in a low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.26, but also in an exceptionally favourable aerodynamic balance. The ideal ratio of air resistance and lift for driving dynamics and safety is characteristic of this and is achieved without additional spoiler attachments.
The selection of materials for the interior and in the production of the BMW i8 was focussed greatly on sustainability. The leather used for the surfaces of the seats and instrument panel is tanned with an extract of olive tree leaves. The starting material for the textile materials is a polyester granulate, which comes from recycled PET, among other things.
The holistic sustainability concept that is characteristic of BMW i vehicles extends from development and design to production, use and recycling and thus covers the entire value chain. Not only is the proportion of recycled plastics exceptionally high, most of the aluminium used in the BMW i8 is also either obtained by recycling or produced using regenerative energy. In addition, the electricity required for the production of the BMW i8 Coupé and the BMW i8 Roadster at the BMW plant in Leipzig comes from four wind turbines on the plant premises. The electrical energy required for carbon fibre production in Moses Lake in the US state of Washington is generated from 100% hydropower.
At its market launch, the BMW i8 was the world's first series-produced car to be equipped with innovative laser headlights. Following its world premiere in the BMW i8, the BMW laser light was also introduced in other models - first in the luxury sedans of the BMW 7 Series and then in numerous other model series. The BMW laser light provides particularly intensive illumination of the road and a considerable increase in the range of the high beam. At the same time, the energy consumption is again significantly reduced, even compared to the already particularly efficient LED headlights.
In the field of drive technology, the forefather of all plug-in hybrid models in the BMW Group was also the pioneer of a new generation of combustion engines. A new 3-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology was used for the first time in the BMW i8. The 1.5 litre engine was characterised both by a particularly compact design and an exceptionally high specific power output. With 113 kW/154 hp per litre displacement, a new record for BMW series models was achieved.
With the world premiere of the BMW i8 Roadster, fresh impetus for sustainable driving pleasure was provided in autumn 2017. The open two-seater now offered the opportunity to experience the fascination of this visionary sports car in the open air - a truly pure experience in purely electric drive mode.
The output of the plug-in hybrid drive was also increased for the BMW i8 Coupé with the world premiere of the BMW i8 Roadster. Since then, the high-voltage storage battery of both models has had a cell capacity increased from 20 to 34 Ah and a gross energy content of 11.6 kWh. At the same time, optimized battery cell technology made it possible to increase the peak output of the electric motor by 9 kW/12 hp to 105 kW/143 hp. In combination with the combustion engine, this resulted in a system output of 275 kW/374 hp. The BMW i8 Coupé now accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, while the BMW i8 Roadster takes 4.6 seconds. Both models reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The electric range is now 55 kilometres for the BMW i8 Coupé and 53 kilometres for the BMW i8 Roadster.
Innovative production processes were used in the construction of the soft top for the roadster. For the first time, the aluminium connecting parts of the soft top mechanism to the bodywork were manufactured using a new type of 3D printing process. This manufacturing process for aluminium components, which is new to the automotive sector, makes it possible to produce the topology-optimised struts in a geometric shape that would not be possible using conventional casting methods and ensures an optimum balance between component rigidity and weight. Thanks to the expertise acquired by BMW i, additive manufacturing processes can now be used for a steadily increasing number of components and in models of various series.
No matter whether as an eye-catcher on the street or as a serial winner in jury evaluations and reader surveys: The BMW i8 impresses sports car fans and experts time and again. Five times in a row between 2015 and 2019 its plug-in hybrid drive won at least one title at the world-renowned "Engine of the Year Award". In addition, the vehicle concept and technology of the BMW i8 have been awarded the "Auto Trophy" and the "Green Mobility Trophy" of the "Auto Zeitung” car magazine, the "International Paul Pietsch Award" of the "auto, motor und sport” car magazine and the "Car Connectivity Award" of "auto, motor und sport" and "Chip", among others. The title "World Green Car" went to the plug-in hybrid sports car as well as the class victory in the "All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year” survey.
The British "Top Gear" magazine named the BMW i8 "Car of the Year", as did the jury of "UK Car of the Year". It was voted "Auto Test winner in green” by "Auto Test" and "Ökotrend". Renowned awards such as the iF Design Award and the red dot Award confirmed the quality and charisma of its design.
With their progressive and exclusive character, the BMW i8 Coupé and the BMW i8 Roadster are integral parts of the latest BMW product initiative in the luxury segment. Just like the luxury sedans of the BMW 7 Series, the Sports Activity Vehicle BMW X7 and the sports cars of the BMW 8 Series, they also provide a unique mobility experience. In addition, the "Next Premium" character of the two plug-in hybrid sports cars is reflected in the BMW i Pure Impulse Experience programme created for the BMW i8. The programme for extended dialogue with customers, which is unique in the world, provides owners of a BMW i8 with exclusive access to visionary personalities as well as extraordinary cultural and travel experiences.
The exclusive edition models of the BMW i8 also added a further flair of individuality. The limited edition models are characterized by unique design features that make them a sought-after rarity. The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition was presented at the beginning of 2016. Just one year later, the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Black Edition and the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition followed, which will remain the most exclusive edition worldwide with around 100 units.
The Leipzig plant is currently producing the 200 vehicles of the limited Ultimate Sophisto Edition of the BMW i8. One of the edition models was already manufactured in December 2019 as the 20 000th unit of the plug-in hybrid model. With this production volume, the BMW i8 has already outstripped many a legendary BMW sports by far. Among the milestones in the history of sports cars, its sales figures are well ahead of classics such as the BMW M1, of which only 399 units were produced for road use, and also ahead of the BMW Z8 roadster, which was built around 5 000 times.
In addition, the BMW i8 has held a global market share of more than 50 per cent in the segment of sports cars with electrified drive for years. The BMW i8 will be able to maintain this leading position until the middle of April 2020. Then the bestseller with plug-in hybrid drive will have finally achieved the status that the readers of "Auto Bild Klassik" attested it only a few months after its market launch. Already in 2014, they declared the BMW i8 the "classic of the future".
BMW PRESS
Video: Paul Holliday
This was the first outing for me with the club so I decided to wake the family up early and share my joy (and 4th child!) with them. This was going to be my longest ride in the M3 so I was a bit nervous to see her endurance.
We met Lawrence and Shaaron at the San Remo Bakehouse, grabbed our entry sticker and headed to the track. We were promised the best spot on the track and that’s what we got! High on the hill overlooking turn 12 and the pits.
We were lined up with all the other cars by Jo, jumped out and went for a look at the pits. Race meets like this make you feel extra important as you can go into the pits and rub shoulders with all the cars and drivers and feel like you are a part of the action and the variety of cars meant there was something for everyone.
After a few laps of the pits the little ones got tired of all the walking so we went back the club display had a chat with a few of the members and enjoyed the action.
The weather was perfect, the day was action packed and the BMWDCM made us feel welcome. The perfect event for the whole family and a great chance to show off my ride.
It was a great weekend, the M3 didn’t miss a beat and made it home in one piece. Cant wait for the next outing!
Reece Todd | Member #457 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
A big thanks to Jo Mawson, Graeme Bell and the team at BMWDCM for hosting club members at the recent Phillip Island Historic Car Display and races at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
It was a great turnout with some amazing vehicles on display. Great examples ranging from the classics we all love through to the new M235i Gran Coupe and the new M3 CS.
The weather was great, creating a perfect day for racing and it was great to see BMWs and other historics out on the track. A bit of ‘old skool kool’ racing was made even better by having Touring Car Champions like Jim Richards and Greg Murphy there too.
For us, the golden years of racing really were the 80’s and 90’s and it was great to be able to re-live some of that excitement and fun.
Our favourites would have to be the E30 M3s of which there were plenty to admire. We don’t make cars like this anymore which is why events like this are so important and they just wouldn’t happen without the support of the clubs.
With such a full calendar of club events throughout the year, we don’t know how Jo and Graeme do it. But we’re very grateful they do!!
We are very lucky to have them running the club for us and send out a genuine and heartfelt thank you for all their hard work and efforts to provide plenty of events throughout the year that we can all enjoy.
Nella Santisi | Member #141 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The opportunity for a long drive to Phillip Island ensured that the recently turned 16 year old female in the family was up early in order to get 1.5 hours behind the wheel and into the log book. First stop was Sam Remo bakery rather than the usual Koo Wee Rup bakery. We followed from San Remo to the circuit another member's GT 40 which looked and sounded fantastic and was obviously the best non BMW car on display from the BMWDCM club.
Upon arrival at the circuit we easily found the BMWDCM location at the top of the hill with one of the best positions to see across to the pits as well as Lukey Heights and the series of turns as you come on to the main straight.
We spent most of the morning in the pits exploring all of the different classes, we managed to get up close to the ex-Michele Alboreto Ferrari of Guido Belgorni-Nettis as well as the ex- Porsche 956 of Vern Schuppan and a number of superbly presented e30 M3's from the likes of Bill Cutler.
Further along to the BMWDCM there was a great display of old Toranas including A9X mixed with a number of Brock Commodores including my personal favourite several blue meenies.
When we returned to the BMWDCM area we enjoyed some fantastic racing action with the highlight being the ultimate control of Paul Stubber in Group Nc with his Chev Camaro that he drifted through the last corner on to the main straight every lap.
Stephen Gorman | Member #372 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
To welcome on board Melbourne BMW as a new sponsor of BMW Drivers Club Melbourne, we held our March Members Meeting at their Southbank showroom on Tuesday, 3 March. We were lucky to have a livestream from BMW AG of the launch of the new i4, which was absolutely amazing.
We were given the royal treatment, with so many of the Melbourne BMW team staying back to help our members with Q&A time, including their BMW genius.
We also got to unveil the new M235 Gran Coupe, which I had the pleasure of doing, it was very cool.
This night fell the night before my birthday, and I was totally shock when two birthday cakes came out and a chorus of Happy Birthday was sung by all. Thank you Shaaron and Lawrence for organising that, it was very special.
We held our lucky door prize raffle out of the back of the wonderful X7 with over 10 members winning great prizes. Thank you again Melbourne BMW for all the effort you put into this night, from the catering to the wonderful prizes and lots of beautiful cars to admire.
It was so good to see so many members attending, with lots of new faces there as well.
Jo Mawson | Member #2 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
The BMW Group is opening a new chapter in its history with the unveiling of a pure-electric Gran Coupe. The BMW Concept i4 takes electric drive to the core of the BMW brand and heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure. The BMW Concept i4 represents a look ahead to the BMW i4, slated to enter production in 2021. It provides a whole new take on the dynamic excellence for which BMW is renowned and blends a modern, elegantly sporty design with the spaciousness and functionality of a four-door Gran Coupe – all while generating zero local emissions.
“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.” The drivetrain’s standout numbers include a range of up to 600 km (WLTP), output of up to 530 hp, 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 60 mph) acceleration of approximately 4.0 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph). However, the driving qualities of the BMW Concept i4 cannot be expressed in figures alone. The virtually silent delivery of power creates an entirely new sensation of dynamism.
The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” adds Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the BMW Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.” As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will make an appearance in both the BMW i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is a defining feature of the BMW i4 and therefore also of future electric mobility. The BMW iX3 due to go into production in 2020 will lead the way in the application of the new tech, which will be introduced in a number of electrically powered BMW vehicles – such as the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology are all-new developments enabling the BMW Group to take another significant step forward in the field of electrified drive systems. The electric motor developed for the BMW i4 generates maximum output of up to 390 kW/530 hp, which ranks it alongside a current BMW V8 combustion engine. Its instantaneous power delivery gives the BMW i4 standout performance attributes and exceptional efficiency.
The fifth generation of BMW eDrive also brings a newly designed high-voltage battery with the very latest battery cell technology. The version of the battery developed for the BMW i4 impresses with its extremely slim construction and optimised energy density. It weighs roughly 550 kilograms, has an energy content of around 80 kWh and achieves an operating range of up to 600 km in the WLTP cycle.
All in all, fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology sets new standards in terms of power density, efficiency and range in locally emission-free driving.
Series production of the new BMW i4 will begin in 2021 at the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich. This means that, in the future, combustion-engined vehicles, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles will be manufactured on the same assembly line in Munich.
Integrating the BMW i4 into the existing production system represents a challenging task for Plant Munich. The body concept of the BMW i4 differs from the architectures of the vehicle models produced at the plant to date due to the need to accommodate its high-voltage battery. Approximately 90 per cent of the existing production equipment in the body shop can be incorporated into the process, i.e. adapted to manufacture of the i4. However, the remaining ten per cent – especially the machinery involved in building the rear structure – will need to be newly built.
A separate new piece of equipment will be fitted in the assembly halls for installation of the high-voltage battery, as the battery needs to be fitted in the car from below. A particular challenge in the conversion/installation process are the crowded structures of the assembly halls. Working within these tight confines, old machinery will have to be removed and new equipment installed and brought on stream within a six-week period. This requires long-term planning and precise implementation.
The company is investing a total of around 200 million euros in Plant Munich to bring series production of the BMW i4 to fruition.
“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” adds Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the BMW Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.” As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will make an appearance in both the BMW i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.
The modern, elegant exterior represents a deliberate counterpoint to the dynamic flair of the driving experience. The perfectly resolved Gran Coupe proportions create an authentic, modern and confident appearance. The long wheelbase, fastback roofline and short overhangs form a basic profile brimming with elegance and dynamism. With its four doors, the BMW Concept i4 offers not only a high level of everyday usability and practicality, but also a much larger interior than the car’s modern and dynamic proportions would immediately suggest.
Crisp, smooth lines and taut volumes merge into a rich, smoothly contoured sculpture and create a clear surfacing language. The modern exterior paint shade Frozen Light Copper reprises a colour nuance displayed by the BMW Vision iNEXT and showcases the interplay of surfaces to visually stunning effect. Blue elements in the front end, flanks and rear end point to the car’s BMW i origins. They shine a spotlight on the signature BMW i icons and bring the technology below the surface to the fore – for example, the kidneys in their role as an intelligence panel, the mouldings in the side skirts concealing the battery technology, and the diffuser elements in the rear end, which fill the design space vacated by exhaust tailpipes and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
A host of other aerodynamic measures maximise the car’s electric range. The blanked off kidney grille and clear aero lips provide detail examples of sophisticated airflow engineering at work. Another distinctive area of the car are the wheel rims. These have been designed exclusively for the BMW Concept i4 and blend aerodynamic and lightweight design; smooth – and therefore aerodynamically optimised – surfaces contrast with ultra-low-weight, high-strength spokes. The rims extend the car’s palette of colours and materials, emphasising its luxurious overall character.
The front-end treatment of the BMW Concept i4 presents the familiar BMW icons in a new look, lending a visually powerful face to the electric age at BMW. The prominent, closed-off kidney grille provides a tangible connection between the past and future of BMW. The BMW icon also gains new functionality: With no combustion engine to require cooling, the grille now serves primarily as an “intelligence panel” housing various sensors. The grille teases the technology behind the scenes with a special design for this model. The headlights likewise provide a bridge between the past and the future; the classical four-eyed front end is reprised here with a very modern and pared-back interpretation. Two intricate, freestanding LED elements on either side integrate all of the requisite light functions. Clean surfaces and a small number of crisp lines around the grille create a contemporary front-end graphic with considerable visual impact. A BMW i-style blue accent in the grille surround sets the seal on the front-end styling.
In the course of the BMW Concept i4 presentation BMW is unveiling the brand’s new look for the first time. The new logo for communications also provides the basis for the badge on the BMW Concept i4. Its two-dimensional and transparent design ensures seamless integration and brings the special exterior colour shade Frozen Light Copper to even greater prominence. The concept car not only has the task of looking ahead to the future in terms of aesthetics, technology and innovation, it also explores the design potential within our BMW trademark.
The rear of the BMW Concept i4 sits low over the road and cuts a broad, horizontally emphasised figure. The surfaces progress across the rear in a smooth and luxuriant movement, and give it a very modern and calm appearance. The long, slim L-shaped rear lights continue the theme. Below the rear lights, the inward-angled surfaces form aerodynamics-enhancing lips and incorporate vertical air outlets. The verticality of the design here emphasises the car’s sporting stance. Further down, the rear apron has a forceful presence and enhances aerodynamic efficiency. Where exhaust tailpipes would once have been found, diffuser elements in BMW i Blue indicate the presence of a pure-electric drive system and reference the design of the BMW i Vision Dynamics.
The interior of the BMW Concept i4 focuses on those times when the driver chooses to pilot the car themselves. To this end, every element in the front of the cabin is trained on the driver. The new BMW Curved Display teams up with the steering wheel to reveal a new take on driver orientation and offers a look ahead to the display in the production versions of the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. Here, the presentation surfaces of the information display and Control Display merge into a single unit inclined towards the driver. This screen grouping optimises presentation of information and makes the display’s touch operation more intuitive. Advanced display tech with non-reflective glass also removes the need for a shroud to shade the displays and therefore contributes to an extremely uncluttered and airy cockpit.
The BMW Curved Display encompasses a large proportion of the section in front of the driver and above the centre stack, and gives the front area a very modern appearance. Its slim, borderless form exudes quality and sophistication. Almost all operating functions are integrated into the display as part of an overall approach centred on reducing the number of haptic controls to the minimum. Even the climate control system now works by touch control.
The front section of the interior around the BMW Curved Display also majors on pared-back design. The understated use of different materials and the fundamental arrangement of controls creates a modern yet also luxurious ambience. With this in mind, elements such as air outlets are integrated almost invisibly into the overall geometry and concealed behind strong patterns.
Accent strips in warm Gold Bronze blending to chrome lend the interior a high-class touch. The central control panel replaces a traditional gear lever with a toggle-type shifter. Elements such as the iDrive Controller and seat memory buttons in the doors are finished in a classy crystal glass. The cloth/leather combination for the seats – composed of microfibre with line graphics and natural leather tanned using olive leaf – sets a high-quality and sustainable seal on the interior. The overall result is a clearly structured, bright and airy cabin which brings across the tranquillity and authority of electric drive systems.
Rear-seat passengers are greeted by a generously-sized compartment offering levels of headroom and legroom that exceed expectations of a coupe. Integral head restraints for the front and rear seats add further to the sporting feel. The cut-out in the head restraints is a classy detail that references sporty BMW models from the current line-up.
The rear seats extend the horizontal graphic emerging from the doors to create a lounge feel in the rear. Meanwhile, the outer seats reprise the dynamic form of the front seats, heightening the sporting flavour. They also use very little stitching, which further emphasises the clean and modern feel.
The screen grouping with new BMW Curved Display provides a digital gateway into the electric age at BMW. Look and feel are clearly influenced by the latest electronic devices and have been made deliberately less “automotive” in nature. In the display itself, flat layers provide considerable visual depth. Overall, the BMW Curved Display and new presentation approach combine to provide a first-class content-viewing experience.
Three different Experience Modes enable users to explore the various facets of the electric drive system and provide a look ahead – in terms of visuals at least – to the next-generation operating system from 2021. The sometimes emphasised visual differentiation between the three Experience Modes (“Core”, “Sport” and “Efficient”) spans everything from how the user experiences the display and graphics to how the interior is presented. Ambient lighting in the dashboard, doors and (indirectly) below the display indicate the technical adjustments taking place.
“Core” mode introduces the driver’s area to an updated interpretation of the four “widgets” familiar from the display concept of existing models. Here, the graphics reprise the pattern above the air vents and the Gold Bronze accent colour, consciously referencing the car’s interior design. In the area where the central display used to be positioned, a map and widgets now line up alongside one another. The user can navigate around the diagonal widgets using a swipe movement and arrange them intuitively by drag-and-drop. This allows them to adapt the display to their personal preferences.
In “Sport” mode, the “widgets” come closer together and create a focussed view. Sideways movements behind the zones are used to show how tight the next corner is, facilitating anticipatory driving. This form of content presentation also allows effective peripheral viewing. The right-hand area of the display shows specific functions in a similar way to BMW M’s lap timer app.
Efficient” mode debuts an “Assisted Driving View”, which shows the driver what the car’s sensors are detecting. This Experience Mode opens up deeper insights into the car’s technology, such as how it communicates with its surroundings. In the BMW Concept i4, the focus here is on anticipatory and efficient driving, and key information for efficient driving is incorporated. The right-hand area of the display shows additional vehicle information, such as the charge level and range.
The BMW Concept i4 is not only characterised by its individual design, but also by its own visionary and unique sound. It was developed under the brand name of BMW IconicSounds Electric by world renowned composer Hans Zimmer together with BMW Sound Designer Renzo Vitale. BMW IconicSounds Electric aims to emotionalise BMW's electric vehicles and make them audible using individual sound worlds. The sound of the BMW Concept i4 achieves this to perfection – it combines BMW’s past and future. It gives the driver the feeling that there are no limits of expression. The sound is manifold, surprising and it provides a sense of lightness and transparency. The sound worlds of the BMW Concept i4 range from the driving sounds in "Core" mode to the more intense and pronounced sounds of "Sport" mode. Also included are the sounds of the door opening and the starting scenario.
1 March 2020
Sunday was a fantastic day out with a great bunch of people for the beginning of another very busy month for DCM. It was an early start for the run around the bay to be at the start point at Lara for 8:30am.
It was made very pleasant though, by the loan of a new X3 M40i from Mornington BMW to try out and show the members. It's a beautiful car and quite amazing the tech and gadgets packed into the X3!
It was great to meet some new members as well as some prospective new members coming on the drive and enjoying the day with us. The best way to find out what a fantastic bunch of people we have in the club is to come to an event. You don't have to be a member to attend most of our events.
After a quick coffee and breakfast we hit the road on another of Peter Williams’ amazing drives. It never ceases to amaze how he comes up with these routes, no matter where we want to go Peter comes up with a very interesting way to get there! Thanks, as always Peter.
Once we arrived at Queenscliff, we were treated to a delicious lunch at 360q. It was very nice and relaxed lunch with a beautiful outlook and great bunch of people on a perfect day. Like a lot of the places we go, the thanks should go to Jo. She works tirelessly to find amazing places to go, things to see, places to eat, organises everyone and everything with the precision of a military operation! You really are a treasure!
Having a great drive and a delicious lunch would have been enough, but after lunch we drove to the old Fort for a private tour.
When we arrived we all put our membership cards in the barrel and a couple of our lovely guests drew out cards. A few lucky Members won some very nice gifts donated by Mornington BMW.
Anyone that has been through Queenscliff would have seen the fort up on the hill, and like us, have probably driven by dozens of times and thought, we should go there one day.
Well, Sunday was the one day, and boy was it worth the visit!
We are blessed with so many interesting places to visit close to Melbourne, and a private tour of the Queenscliff Fort is one of those that should be on your list. So much history right on our doorstep and who would have known it is still, not only an important navigational installation, but also an active defence base!
This meant that we all had to sign in and be escorted around the fort by a guide. Margaret, our guide, had a wealth of information on everything from the history of everything in the fort but also of the different roles the fort has played throughout the years in protecting us from threats from seaward as well as its other roles. It was very informative indeed and as it is now the home for the defence archives, a very important ongoing role for defence and all of us.
If you get the chance, stop in and do a tour! It's very worth it, plus if you have ever had any family in the armed forces, they will have their records there. From experience, it is very much worth finding information about your family as I found out when I looked up my own father’s war history, finding out things I never knew. Like a lot of people that enlist, my dad never talked about his service. I wish he had. I'm so very proud of what I found.
Anyway, that was just the first day of March and we have an awful busy month to follow.
Tuesday evening we are being welcomed to new club sponsors, Melbourne BMW Southbank, for the members meeting. Looks to be another very interesting night and looking forward to checking out the dealership and seeing what they have to show us.
Make sure you bring your membership card with you, if you come, as we will have some lovely gifts from Melbourne BMW to give away on the night.
Then next weekend we are off to Phillip Island for the Historics displays.
Make sure you check out the calendar and come along to something soon. Lots of different events coming up!
Graeme Bell | Member #1 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
MONTH IN REVIEW
February started with our annual trip to the Bathurst 12 Hour where some members camped and others opted to stay in hotels. We were very lucky to be treated to a private tour of the BMW Walkenhorst pit garage, race control, podium tours, grid walks on race morning and helicopter tours. It was also great to catch up with some of the other BMW Clubs for dinner on the Friday night.
The following weekend, we had a fantastic turn out for the Torquay drive on the Saturday and then the Torquay Motor Show display on the Sunday. We love these two day events - its a great opportunity for a weekend away to relax with fellow members, and certainly an easier start on the Sunday morning.
Our first members meeting for 2020 was then held at Shannons showrooms with Jay Leno's Garage Advanced Vehicle Care attending, giving us a very detailed demonstration on cleaning and preparing our cars. Two lucky members walked away with some cleaning products from our barrel draw.
The following weekend saw some members completing their OLT (Observed Licence Test) at Sandown to get their racing licence. Then quite a few members raced in the first round of the E30 Racing Championship. The weather was all over the place, very hot and humid on Friday turning to a downpour, then a wet Saturday and finally a sunny Sunday. The change of weather certainly made for some very close racing!
Our first round of the 2020 Yokohama/Traction Tyres Drivers Championship at Sandown on 22 February turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day, with over 120 cars entered. Thank you to all the BMWDCM members who attended and to those who helped with volunteering as officials, it would not run as smoothly if it wasn’t for you guys. Many members posted personal best times, which was fantastic to see.
Circuit Training Cancellation
Due to a double booking of the track, the Circuit Training day on 18 April 2020 will no longer go ahead. The next driver training day will be held on 14 June at Sandown, followed by another day at Broadford on 25 July.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 438 MEMBERS
Welcome to our new members, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
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Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's what we've got planned in March:
Sunday, 1 MarchBellarine Drive to Fort Queenscliff
Tuesday, 3 March March Members Meeting | Melbourne BMW Southbank
Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 March Phillip Island Festival of Speed Car Display
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
For free admission, please ensure that you register before 21 March.
MOTORSPORT VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Have you ever wanted to be close to the action on track but not quite in the action?
We are looking for volunteers to assist at the following track days:
Please get in contact with Jo Mawson to discuss how you can get involved.
NEWS & BLOG
idrive magazine
MEMBER SERVICES
President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
Proudly supported by: All Residential/All Commercial Creative Custom Cars Melbourne BMW Shannons Insurance Southern BM Traction Tyres Waverley BMW Zagame Autobody
What a start to the Year, with a group of BMWDCM members making the annual pilgrimage to Bathurst for the 12 Hour to start a very busy month.
Some of our members camped, while others took the option of booking into the more comfortable 12-hour package, with nice Motel Accommodation in town and all the trimmings in the Bathurst Club on top of the pits for the 4 days, which we chose to do.
It was an amazing weekend with private tours of BMW Walkenhorst pit garage, race control, podium tours, grid walks on the race morning and helicopter rides around the track while the cars were out, well worth the money!
We love this event as we also get to meet up with our fellow club members from other states. We had a lovely catch up dinner with them all on Friday night. It was great to see people from all over the country coming together to enjoy a meal and chat about all things from the race, to club life in general.
If you can, I really recommend coming to this event. It is a fantastic race as well as being a great social meet up. Put it in your calendar for next year!
The following weekend, we had a fantastic turn out for the Torquay drive on the Saturday and then the Torquay Motor Show display on the Sunday, with some amazing cars turning out. We love these two day events as we can really relax and enjoy the company of our fellow members on Saturday night and makes it an easier start on Sunday morning.
Our first members meeting for 2020 was then held at Shannons showrooms with Jay Leno Garage Advanced Vehicle Care attending, giving us a very detailed demonstration on cleaning and preparing our cars. We have been very lucky to have them come on board as valued sponsors of the club for 2020. Two of our lucky members walked away with some great cleaning products from our lucky barrel draw. We were even luckier to have the guys from Jay Leno’s clean our car and I must say, she is still looking great after all the treatments to the wheels, tyres and trims.
The third weekend for February saw a few members doing their OLT (Observed Licence Test) at Sandown to get their racing licence. Then quite a few members raced in the first round of E30 Racing. The weather was all over the place, very hot and humid on Friday turning to a downpour, then a wet Saturday and finally a sunny Sunday. The racing was good with lots of close racing and fun had by all. Round 2 of the E30 Racing Championship is at Winton on 27-29 March if you are up that way and want to stop in for a look.
Our first round of the 2020 Yokohama/Traction Tyres Drivers Championship at Sandown on 22 February turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day, with over 120 cars entered. Thank you to all the BMWDCM members who came along and helped with volunteering as officials, it would not run as smoothly if it wasn’t for you guys. Many members also posted personal best times and having lots of track time. Round 2 of the Yokohama/Traction Tyres Drivers Championship will be at Winton on 19 April. Keep an eye out for entries to come out and come up and have some fun with us up there.
You never know what might turn up at club sprints - some interesting cars come along, like an exceptional historic ALFA Periscopio, which is going to be doing some laps of the AGP circuit in March having a shakedown, having just arrived from Italy.
Jess has been very busy putting the second edition of idrive magazine together and we have been very fortunate to get some fantastic new sponsors this year. Thank you and welcome aboard! Thank you to all that are or have written stories for edition 2. If you have promised something please get it to Jess as soon as possible, as the deadline is fast approaching. We can’t wait to see edition 2, the first edition was such an amazing magazine, I still pick it up and read back through our first year and look at what a wonderful club we have all built. I don’t know how we will fit the last 12 months into one magazine though. It has again been an amazing year.
Jo has been working hard on getting some great events out there too, so be sure to keep checking on the events calendar so that you don’t miss out on something fun. We have such a variety of events, everything from casual club nights, informal cars & coffee meets, drives, weekends away, car Shows and displays, sprints, racing, driver training, something to suit everyone and all with a fantastic group of friendly, welcoming people with a shared passion.
March will be fun filled with our drive to Fort Queenscliff on Sunday 1 March. Our Members Meeting at Melbourne BMW on 3 March will be very interesting, checking out some of the new models and welcoming Melbourne BMW as a new Club Sponsor for 2020. Philip Island Festival of Speed is on 7 - 9 March is another fantastic event, there will be around 12 BMWs racing in the Group A and C categories, catch up with friends and relax on the hill. There is also the Australian Grand Prix Display on 11-15 March. It's a great way to be a part of the 25th anniversary of Melbourne Grand Prix. We have some very special cars on display this year, so if you do get to the Grand Prix, make sure you came and say hello and check out what is on show.
We would love to see you at all these events and any others that pop up. Of course, if you have an idea for an event, give Jo a call and she can either help you to organise it or it may give us an idea for something later in the year. We're always open to suggestions!
A special note for a couple of events we have coming up - to help in the recovery from the devastating Bush Fires this year, we are planning a Bush Fire Recovery Run up to Bright in April over Anzac Day long weekend to try and inject some much needed funds into communities affected by the fires this year. Please come along if you can, even for a day if you can’t make the whole weekend. One of our favourites is also coming up, the Good Friday Appeal Display at Birrarung Marr. All are welcome to both of these events. These are very dear to our hearts and we would love to include all brands of cars not just BMW and the more money we can raise for these two special events the better.
Don’t forget our Second Birthday Celebration night is on 2 May. We would love you all to come and have some fun and celebrate with us, check the event on our website, there is accommodation at the venue too so you can have a great evening and then relax for the night too.
As always, keep an eye on the emails and Facebook group and check the event calendar from time to time, as we do add events and get invited to different things all the time. Sometimes we just post about them on the Facebook group. The Facebook group is also a great place to sell cars or items that are BMW or club related too.
I hope you have enjoyed some of the events already and if not, I hope to see you at an event soon. Take care and drive safe.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
22 February 2020
New year, new season. New Yellow Speed coilovers. New Whiteline 24mm sway bar. New Sachs M30 clutch. New custom exhaust. New EBC Orange Stuff pads. New slotted front rotors. Second hand LSD. New thermo fan and Davies Craig thermo fan switch. New Tech I rear spoiler. New magnetic numbers. Lug to stud conversion. Freshly serviced.
Looking forward to seeing if I can get through a whole day with the car still running strong at the end at Sandown on Saturday.
Session 1 down and blown power steering line. ☹️
Lucky for me, extremely helpful and nice folks at Enzed Dandenong getting me out of a tight spot, should be back on the track by lunchtime fingers crossed.
Massive shout out to Frans for helping me with some power steering fluid and parts while I was out trying to get the high pressure power steering line remade at Enzed in Dandenong.
Huge thanks to the guys at Enzed in Dandenong for getting me out trouble and back on the track, made the whole process so easy, can't recommend the service and quality of parts from these guys highly enough.
Thanks Jo and Graeme for being great hosts and club reps. Car made it home just fine, only issue to sort out is a front left indicator not working.
Shane McKenzie | Member #118 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
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