The Joy of Being Green

MANILA, Philippines - Normally, you don’t associate fun-to-drive cars with something that’s economical or environmentally-friendly. The rule of thumb usually goes something like this: increase horsepower is inversely proportional to improvement in fuel consumption. However, the age of ka-zillion horsepower at the expense of snorting gasoline like a cocaine addiction is now over. More than ever, car manufacturers are focused in making their vehicles more and more environmentally-friendly by reducing their fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

But what’s a car company like BMW to do? Having a corporate tagline that ranges from “the ultimate driving machine” to “sheer driving pleasure”, it’s a brand that’s synonymous with a pure and almost unadulterated driving experience. But how can BMW merge the increased consciousness towards the environment with its fun-to-drive mantra? Can they actually be able to design and engineer cars that are fun as they are economical? With EfficientDynamics, they sure can.

Unlike your typical go-green technology, BMW’s EfficientDynamics starts at the very core of each automobile: the drivetrain. Thanks to the company’s leadership in engine design and technology, the newest generation of BMW powertrains are lighter, more fuel efficient and yet, more powerful than its respective predecessor. The use of magnesium alloys and other space-age materials in the engine reduce friction and together with optimized fuel combustion technology such as Valvetronic and gasoline direct injection as well as forced induction in some lines, make BMW’s EfficientDynamics engines truly earth-friendly while improving power and torque outputs.

Aside from the high-tech drivetrain, BMW’s EfficientDynamics encompasses other areas of a car’s design. For instance, several new models such as the revamped 3 Series and all-new 5 Series and 7 Series feature technologies such as brake energy regeneration. This key part of EfficientDynamics reduces the amount of power the battery takes from the engine thanks to the capturing of kinetic energy. Moreover, as the driver presses on the accelerometer, the alternator is automatically decoupled from the drivetrain. This reduces the components drawing power from the drivetrain.

Aside from brake energy regeneration, other EfficientDynamics technologies include an automatic start/stop function which switches off the engine when the car’s at standstill; an electric power steering system which draws significantly less energy compared to a conventional hydraulic system; electronically controlled air vents that open only when the engine needs cooling; a gear shift indicator and new tire technology with reduced rolling resistance.

Taking EfficientDynamics a step further, BMW has also unveiled the BMW 7 Series Hydrogen as well as the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid. What’s more, concept cars such as the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics with its three-cylinder common rail diesel engine and four in-wheel electric motors prove that ultra-efficient motoring can still be combined with exciting design and performance. In the near future, the BMW Group is poised to come out with the groundbreaking new Megacity Vehicle (MCV) which is due to come out in 2013. The MCV will be the world’s first volume-produced vehicle with a passenger cell made of carbon. With an all-electric drivetrain, BMW believes that the MCV will ultimately provide a zero emissions, low-noise form of mobility. Of course, its ability to deliver a totally new experience and extremely agile driving experience will serve as the feathers on its cap.

At first glance, preserving the environment and maximizing performance may seem like two separate goals. However, BMW has always believed that they’re linked at the elemental level, and as proof, have concentrated on the use of lightweight materials and various other drivetrain technologies. BMW sees itself working further to perfect its EfficientDynamics technology which will further reduce fuel consumption and keep the joy of driving very much alive for generations to come.