BMW simply pulled off one in every of its boldest, most electrifying (actually) showcases in latest reminiscence — proper within the beating coronary heart of Shanghai. The town’s vibrant power served as the right stage for the world premiere of BMW’s Imaginative and prescient Driving Dynamics (VDX) prototype, revealed for the primary time with no shred of camouflage. This one-off prototype isn’t destined for manufacturing, however don’t let that idiot you — it’s arguably essentially the most superior BMW ever constructed and one that can set the course for future merchandise.
Why? As a result of at its core is one thing BMW calls the Coronary heart of Pleasure — the mind behind the model’s next-generation driving expertise.
What’s the Coronary heart of Pleasure?
Consider it because the central nervous system for all future BMWs. It’s a revolutionary management unit that syncs drivetrain, braking, steering, and power recuperation with lightning-fast precision — ten instances sooner than any system earlier than it. The outcome? Sharper dynamics, elevated security, and as much as 25% extra effectivity, due to regenerative braking so efficient that the discs are nearly redundant.
The VDX Stunt
You may’ve seen the VDX tear round tracks in Spartanburg, with drifting and high-speed cornering that showcased its physics-defying grip. However in Shanghai, BMW had one thing much more theatrical in thoughts — a 55-degree ramp, stretching as much as 13 meters excessive.
Sound easy? Removed from it.
With rain-slicked tarmac and the type of torque that would twist a bridge, traction ought to’ve been the automobile’s Achilles’ heel. However the VDX got here ready — with 5 large followers hidden beneath its carbon fiber bodywork, sucking it to the bottom like a vacuum. These impellers ship as much as 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) of static downforce, protecting the automobile planted like a track-day automobile on rails. Even standing nonetheless, this automobile clings to the floor with sheer aerodynamic muscle. And when in movement? It might generate a complete of 1.2 tons of downforce. Powering the followers requires a hefty 50 kW, however BMW’s engineers labored some black magic: no aerodynamic drag from the system.
Numbers That Sound Like Science Fiction
- Energy Output: Rumored to be north of 1,300 horsepower
- Torque: A daft 18,000 Nm (13,269 lb-ft)
- Lateral G-Pressure: As much as 3Gs
- Braking Regeneration: Over 1G, with minimal disc use
BMW manufacturing facility driver Jens Klingmann took middle stage, driving the VDX up the intimidating ramp in entrance of a reside crowd. With rain threatening grip, Klingmann and the VDX delivered a number of instances all through the night. Then, as if to remind everybody this wasn’t a one-trick pony, he unleashed a drifting demo.
Earlier within the day, I had an opportunity to expertise the VDX firsthand. BMW engineer Martin, one of many minds behind the VDX, took me for a lap. Despite the fact that he wasn’t pushing the automobile to its limits, the precision, steadiness, and sheer confidence of the machine was plain.
From VDX to Neue Klasse
So, what comes subsequent? The Coronary heart of Pleasure isn’t staying in idea land. It’s heading into the actual world — first cease: the NA5 BMW iX3, the inaugural manufacturing automobile constructed on the Neue Klasse platform. We’ll be getting behind the wheel of this next-gen electrical SUV quickly, and whereas it stays to be seen whether or not it can characteristic two or 4 electrical motors, it is going to be managed by the Coronary heart of Pleasure.
Later this yr, in September, we’ll witness the complete unveiling of the production-spec NA5, adopted by deeper testing.
After which, the large one: the ZA0 BMW M3 — the first-ever totally electrical M3, touchdown in 2027. BMW M is fine-tuning its personal model of the Coronary heart of Pleasure, centered on delivering the unmistakable M driving expertise, even with out combustion.
