BMW developing adaptive 8-speed transmission that predicts curves, road conditions

[HighestOfHigh]

Development objective: identify road profile, understand driver's wishes.

As a result of further development there is now the possibility to adapt gearshift commands given by the transmission control system to each driving situation even more flexibly and at the same time more accurately. The anticipatory transmission control system currently in the advance development stage utilises, in addition to the driver's intention, further information to take into consideration road surface conditions, road topology as well as the traffic situation when selecting the ideal gear. For this purpose, the transmission control system is linked to both the DSC (Dynamics Stability Control) function as well as the navigation system in the initial stage. In the configuration levels that follow, a link-up with the cameras utilised for the driver assistance systems or radar and additional sensors respectively is under consideration.

The data provided by the DSC sensors pertaining to the road surface friction coefficient help the system particularly in the case of low friction coefficients to prepare optimally for the typical control intervention during the acceleration phase that follows. Using the data provided by the navigation system, it is possible to determine the radius of a bend long before it is approached. Based on this information the transmission control system then determines with even greater accuracy the gear required for a smooth driving manoeuvre and confident acceleration out of the bend. Moreover, using information provided by cameras and radar sensors and pertaining to the traffic situation ahead of the vehicle, it will in future be possible to determine for example the required amount of deceleration and adapt the drive management to each specific situation.

In practice and thanks to this anticipatory control system, the automatic transmission adapts remarkably accurately to the situation-related requirements and demands of the driver. As a result of the complexity of the factors taken into consideration by the control system, the automatic transmission selects the appropriate gear similarly as foresighted as an experienced driver using a manual gearbox. It assists the driver with fast and appropriate response, which immediately leads to an increase in driving pleasure and optimised efficiency. Hence, the interaction between driver and vehicle reaches a new dimension.

- BMW developing adaptive 8-speed transmission that predicts curves, road conditions

 

[Sunny]

Yay, now I can drive and text even on curves!

 

[Mr Robert]

Is it OK if I take a nap in the trunk?

 

[Zafiro]

Cool, now I might have time to play with my HTC Desire, perhaps download a new App.

--- The Ultimate Driving Machine ---

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Yay, now I can drive and text even on curves!

There's no need to text nowadays with the advent of 'talk to text'.

Is it OK if I take a nap in the trunk?

No need with the seat comfort options available these days.

Cool, now I might have time to play with my HTC Desire, perhaps download a new App.

Considering that a couple of clever Japanese guys have successfully develop the tech' to control your car using your mobile phone, you can have fun steering your car through your HTC Desire.



Any more issues?

 

[Gullwing]

BMW the ultimate driving by itself machine

 

[Human]

Next Gen Traffic, Navigation: Hyper Local, Global & Always On

http://www.thewherebusiness.com/navigationstrategieseurope/pdf/StrategyAnalytics.pdf

 

[K-A]

The Ultimate Sit Down Bi**h And Let Us Drive Machine.

 

[bmer]

It's funny really, if this was about MB it would have gotten the usual positive comments like "always the pioneer" and so on. However here on the BMW section it gets mostly negative responses.

But I agree, the less driving aids, the better. I want to drive a car, not a computer-based simulator.

 

[bum-man]

Sheer leisure pleasure.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

It's funny really, if this was about MB it would have gotten the usual positive comments like "always the pioneer" and so on. However here on the BMW section it gets mostly negative responses.

Yea that is what I don't understand. You would think folks would appreciate BMW going the extra mile and working on some new technology. Just seems odd.

If it's not about turning a corner faster, they don't want it.

 

[Sunny]

The Ultimate Sit Down Bi**h And Let Us Drive Machine.

Sorry, Mercedes fans shouldn't be bitching about driver aids, especially one that drives a E - have you see the TV spot for the car? it shows a bunch of stodgy 50 year olds that is as much into driving as I am into knitting expressing their relief that their car braked by itself while they slept at the wheel.

 

[Nicks]

That's because Mercedes never branded themselves as "ultimate-whatever".

For same reason you can have 535i with manual gearbox and can't have it in E350.

 

[SCOTT27]

BMW are working on a project which includes an Interface where you can think and the car will do it.

 

[Giannis]

BMW are working on a project which includes an Interface where you can think and the car will do it.

Can I think of my car washing itself and see it being done?

Also, thinking of my car changing colour, or upgrading its equipment all by itself would be nice too! Or just service itself free of charge.

I have a huge imagination

 

[SCOTT27]

Without being flippant you make some valueable points.

If you take some of the features regarding BMW Connected Drive such as the self-garageing feature where you can control your car to garage itself , why cant it do some other commands like as you said , enter a car wash, I dont think it would run down your wife though...

But your car actually thinks for itself even today you mention the service indicator well not only BMW but modern automobiles tell you when they need serviced but one of the future features of connected drive is instant upgrades for your car via the internet in which a special intranet downloads programmes and upgrades for your vehicle to the vehicle itself.

Coming in the next week is a full update on the Vision Connected Drive Concept Car where BMW are currently having open seminars on the technology within the car.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

but one of the future features of connected drive is instant upgrades for your car via the internet in which a special intranet downloads programmes and upgrades for your vehicle to the vehicle itself.

Sweet! We'll be able to download a torrent to transform a base 3 series into an M3 CSL Killer!

Jokes aside though, that's some fascinating and useful technology applications. I guess the days of using your tablet (eg: iPad) will be very short-lived if the 'think it and I will perform it' tech' comes to fruition.

Can I think of my car washing itself and see it being done?

Oh please please please please say it's coming! Heck, at least self-wash the wheels!

Or just service itself free of charge.

Hahaha...wouldn't that be a heavenly delight! ..and while it's at it, replace my RFT's with standard tires!

 

[chonkoa]

This has got to be one of the most stupid ideas from BMW.
I guess this explains why BMW is losing its sportiness, the engineers spend more time on silly projects like this.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

It's funny really, if this was about MB it would have gotten the usual positive comments like "always the pioneer" and so on. However here on the BMW section it gets mostly negative responses.

This is true.

Good job BMW. From What' i understand this isnt' going to negatively impact on the driving experience. It's just going to make the transmission more intelligent and responsive.

 

[K-A]

That's because Mercedes never branded themselves as "ultimate-whatever".

For same reason you can have 535i with manual gearbox and can't have it in E350.

Exactly.

Not that I mind that BMW is doing this, as I don't care about corner carving, or feeling every pebble on the road, or speeds bursts. I LOVE driving, luxuriously and stylishly and comfortably. :y BMW is moving more toward my likeness in fact.