BMW was just pulling one of his boldest and electrifying (literally) shows in recent times – exactly in the beating heart of Shanghai. The living energy of the city was the perfect stage for the world premiere of the VDX prototype (Vision Driving Dynamics) from BMW, which appears for the first time without camouflage. This one-off prototype is not intended for production, but do not let that deceive you are probably the most advanced BMW that has ever been built, and one that sets the course for future products.
Why? Because at the core, BMW calls the heart of the joy-the brain behind the next generation driving experience.
What is the heart of joy?
Consider it as the central nervous system for all future BMWs. It is a revolutionary control unit that is driven, brakes, steering and energy recreation with lightning-fast precision-synchronized times faster than any system. The result? The sharper dynamics, increased security and up to 25% more efficiency thanks to the effective regenerative braking that the discs are almost redundant.
The VDX stunt
You may have seen the VDX traces in Spartanburg with drifts and high-speed curves that showed its physical grip. But in Shanghai, BMW had a little more theatrical a 55 degree ramp, which stretched up to 13 meters high.
Sounds just? Far from it.
With rain-sized asphalt and the torque, which could twist a bridge, the traction should have been the Achilles heel of the car. But the VDX came prepared – with five massive fans who were hidden under his carbon fiber body and suck on the floor like a vacuum. These attracters deliver up to 1,000 kg of static downforce and keep the car planted like a track car car on rails. Even if this car stood still, this car clings to the surface with shy aerodynamic muscles. And if in motion? It can produce a total of 1.2 tons of output. The fans requires a strong 50 kW, but the engineers from BMW worked black magic: no aerodynamic resistance from the system.
Numbers that sound like science fiction
- Output power: It is rumored that it is located north of 1,300 hp
- Torque: 13,269 LB-FT) A ridiculous 18,000 Nm (269 LB-FT)
- Lateral G-Force: up to 3GS
- Brake regeneration: over 1 g, with a minimal CD use
The BMW factory driver Jens Klingmann focused on and drove the VDX the intimidating ramp in front of a living crowd. With rain that has the handle, Klingmann and the VDX delivered several times several times all evening. Then, as if he wanted to remind everyone that this was not one-trick pony, he triggered a drift demo.
I used to have the opportunity to experience the VDX first -hand. The BMW engineer Martin, one of the heads behind the VDX, took me for a round. Although he did not push the car to its limits, the precision, balance and the sheer trust of the machine was undeniable.
From VDX to new class
So what’s next? The heart of joy does not remain in the concept country. It goes into the real world – first stop: the Na5 BMW IX3, the first production vehicle that was built on the new class platform. We will soon be behind the tax of this electrical SUV of the next generation, and although it remains to be seen whether it contains two or four electric motors, it is controlled by the heart of joy.
Later this year, in September, we will experience the complete unveiling of the production specification NA5, followed by deeper tests.
And then the big one: the ZA0 BMW M3-The first full electrical M3, which ends up in 2027. BMW M is a fine version of The Heart of Joy, which focuses on delivering the unmistakable M-driver experience, even without combustion.
