BMW may be best known for its cars and motorcycles, but the German carmaker is also associated with arts and culture, with numerous initiatives for the past 50 years. With over 100 projects worldwide, BMW Group’s cultural commitment has been an essential part of corporate communications, with the main focus on modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design.
“Social commitment is a major concern of the BMW Group. There is no doubt that cultural engagement is part of the BMW Group,” said Maximilian Schoberl, Head of BMW Group Corporate and Governmental Affairs and Executive Vice President.
Its latest project is ‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’, a unique exploration of art and technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate entirely new works. The virtual art installation debuts in conjunction with Frieze New York 2021, as well as the 50th anniversary of BMW Group Cultural Engagement.
‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’ virtual art installation was created in partnership with creative technologist Nathan Shipley of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, and Gary Yeh, art connoisseur/founder of artDrunk. The duo leveraged the NVIDIA StyleGAN artificial intelligence model to cross-reference over 50,000 images of artwork spanning 900 years of history and a curated set of 50 works from renowned and emerging contemporary artists BMW has worked with over the past 50 years.
Using these inputs as a basis for understanding art, the AI then generates entirely new works of art, merging what it learned classical art and the styles noted from the contemporary artists. These new works have been projection-mapped onto a virtual rendition of BMW’s 8-Series Gran Coupe.
To document the creative process behind the virtual installation, Shipley and Yeh collaborated digitally from different parts of the world – Yeh in Seoul, Shipley in San Francisco – and virtually joined each other for an engaging discussion on the technology behind the artwork created by the AI, as well as BMW’s decades-long support of the arts.
“AI is an emerging medium of creative expression. It’s a fascinating space where art meets algorithm,” said Shipley. “Combining the historical works with the curated modern works and projecting the evolving images onto the 8-Series Gran Coupe serves a direct nod to BMW’s history of uniting automobiles, art, and technology.”
“During an unusually isolated time in history, we took the opportunity to curate and work with artists from around the world as a means to give viewers a true art experience digitally,” Yeh, who is also an art collector, explained. “It was particularly exciting to push the boundaries of art, see how technology may influence the art world in the years to come, and build on 50 years of cultural engagement at BMW.”
Frieze New York begins its tenth edition, taking place for the first time at The Shed in Manhattan, New York, this week. Reimagined for its new location, the fair brings together over 60 major galleries and sees a strong representation from New York, celebrating the creative spirit of the city. A dedicated edition of Frieze Viewing Room will run parallel to the fair, until May 14, and will feature an expanded list of over 160 exhibitors, connecting international galleries and audiences unable to travel.
Described as ‘the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s concept of an extreme front-engined berlinetta’, the limited-edition special series 812 Competizione takes the 812 Superfast to a higher level than ever before. Unveiled to the world from the recently-opened GT Sporting Activities Department located alongside the Fiorano track at the factory, the 812 Competizione was accompanied by the targa-top 812 Competizione A which is also produced in a limited series.
Re-engineered V12 engine
Both Competizione cars have similar 6.5-litre V12 engines which can produce up to 818 bhp at 9250 rpm, with 692 Nm generated at 7000 rpm. Though derived from the Superfast, several areas have been significantly re-engineered while optimising the fluid dynamics of the intake system and combustion, and reducing internal friction.
Ferrari engineers revealed that there has been meticulous redesign of key engine components such as the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft and distribution. The titanium con-rods are 40% lighter than steel versions whilst delivering the same mechanical resistance; the piston pins, on the other hand, have been given a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC) to reduce the coefficient of friction to the benefit of performance, fuel consumption and wear. These modifications are combined with a rebalanced crankshaft, which is also 3% lighter than the previous version.
The most significant improvements, however, are to the distribution and the cylinder heads, which have both been completely redesigned. The cams (which now also have the DLC coating) now action the valve stems via DLC-coated steel sliding finger followers, which are derived from Ferrari’s F1 experience and were developed specifically for this engine to provide a higher lift profile.
To maintain the traditional V12 engine sound, whilst simultaneously introducing a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to the exhaust system that ensures compliance with the very latest emissions regulations, the engineers added a new exhaust tailpipe. This unusual and innovative design solution reinstates the medium-high frequency sound muffled by the use of the GPF. Work was also carried out on the intake tract to which a second pair of resonators was added to enhance specific frequencies, creating the perfect melding of the sound from the exhaust and from the intake system.
Both the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A use a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with calibration of the control strategies reducing shift times by a further 5%. Although it retains the same gear ratios as the 812 Superfast, the shifts are even more sporty, thanks to the extra 500 rpm in maximum revs.
0 – 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds
Together with the significantly improved aerodynamics, the claimed top speed is over 340 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h said to be bridged within 2.85 seconds. Like on the 812 Superfast, the front diffuser is equipped with a passive mobile aero system which opens when running over 250 km/h, allowing the car to reach its maximum speed.
The rear screen, for the first time on a production model, is completely closed and allowed the engineers to explore some unprecedented aerodynamic solutions. It has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements which protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. From the LaFerrari onwards, vortex generators of this type have been used on production cars to maximise downforce generated by the flat underbody. However, this solution was applied to the rear screen on the 812 Competizione to distort the flow and thus redistribute the rear axle’s pressure field.
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Focus on boosting overall performance levels
The guidelines in the development of the 812 Competizione’s performance strategy were to boost overall performance levels, improve driving pleasure in lateral dynamics and a specific focus on the handling characteristics of a special version. This called for the development and use of many innovative components and contents. Specifically, these include the first use of independent 4-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tyres.
The fact that the car is faster into corners demanded an improvement in braking power. Compared to the 812 Superfast, the brake cooling concept was completely redesigned around the new front Aero caliper which debuted on the SF90 Stradale and which has an air intake integrated into its casting.
Lightweight strategy
Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible, which resulted in 38 kgs being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. The areas primarily involved were the powertrain, running gear and bodyshell. Carbon-fibre was used extensively on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler and air intakes.
Much attention was also given to the design of the cockpit with the extensive use of carbonfibre trim, lightweight technical fabrics and a reduction in soundproofing. There are also dedicated sporty, lightweight forged aluminium rims and titanium studs. All-carbonfibre rims are also being made available for the very first time on a Ferrari V12 and can offer a total weight reduction of 3.7 kgs.
In terms of its interior architecture, the 812 Competizione has remained faithful to the 812 Superfast, retaining the same general parameters and main dash and door panel interfaces. The door panel itself has been lightened overall both formally and in terms of actual weight to underscore the sportiness of the cockpit.
Occupant comfort in targa top version
Occupant comfort in the targa-top configuration is ensured by the introduction of a flap integrated into the windscreen header rail which deflects the energised, incident flow upwards so it won’t cause turbulence for the occupants. This extends the bubble that covers the entire length of the cockpit, thereby also avoiding excess pressure in the area behind the occupants’ heads.
The targa top is made from carbonfibre to create a sense of aesthetic continuity with the roll-bars. It is stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself. With the top stowed, the roll bars partly jut out above the rest of the bodywork but because they are carbonfibre, they become secondary visual elements and so do not compromise the broader, more squat stance buy instead amplify the visual lowering of the side view.
Pricing and production schedules have not been announced although it’s a sure bet that potential customers have already been informed and would have placed their orders. In fact, given their limited-edition status, these two cars are unlikely to be in showrooms except when an owner is kind enough to allow the dealer to display it for a while before it is taken away.
The EXTREME X series is the ‘Dakar Rally for electric vehicles’ but the small number of SUV EVs taking part are very special models, developed for the purpose of the unique competition. They are not what would be available from showrooms, just as F1 cars are not sold to the public.
Volkswagen, however, has shown that even production EVs can take the very rough conditions of off-road racing with a specially prepared Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV having completed the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) Mexican 1000 race recently.
Standard electric powertrain
The ID.4 was driven by professional racer and Volkswagen brand ambassador, Tanner Foust, and Rhys Millen Racing partially modified a rear-wheel-drive version of the E-SUV model. However, it used a standard powertrain with an 82-kWh battery pack. The radiator was raised several centimetres to improve approach angles and cooling capacity, and additional skid plates of thick steel were added to the undercarriage.
To cope with the demanding conditions and terrain, the suspension was also modified with more travel and ground clearance. Rally-style coil-over struts were fitted to all four wheels along with tubular lower control arms in the front and boxed lower rear links.
Inside the cabin was a roll cage for safety, racing seats and supplemental screens for key data like battery temperature, crucial information to know with the high desert temperatures and constant high speeds.
Biofuel-powered generator for recharging
The ID.4 was one of the 64 vehicles that finished the entirety of the NORRA 1000, out of 90 cars and trucks entered. Stages measured between 53 kms and up to 270 kms over the 1.600-km route. The ID.4 was able to recharge mostly using a portable biofuel-powered generator connected to a 50 kW flat charger. In a couple of instances where the ID.4 was scheduled to be transited to the next stage but the charger was not available, the team towed it behind a chase vehicle for a short distance, using the regenerative braking to add range.
Despite the brutal nature of the Baja wilderness, the only damage suffered by the e-SUV was some cosmetic injury to the rear bumper. All of the vehicle’s key power, battery and control systems performed as expected. The ID.4 was raced mostly in ‘B’ level battery regeneration mode with the standard traction control turned on.
“This was an exciting test of ID.4 technology because no other production-based EV had ever entered this event, let alone completed it,” said Scott Keogh, President & CEO of Volkswagen of America.
The ID.4 is the second model in Volkswagen’s all-electric ID range. First deliveries in Europe started at the end of 2020 and it is also being sold in North America and China. Last month, it was announced as the 2021 World Car of the Year.
Romain Grojean’s escape from the burning wreck of his Haas F1 car at the Bahrain Grand Prix last November captured worldwide attention. It was amazing that he came out of the inferno, suffering only severe burns to his hands. The safety measures to protect drivers had worked even though the way the car broke up shocked everyone.
Despite his valiant efforts to recover, Romain was not allowed to drive in the final two races of the season – a season that would be his last in F1, which he entered in 2009. During his career, the 35-year old drive had 179 starts and stood on the podium 10 times.
He was inside and inferno when his car caught fire but miraculously, Romain escaped with only severe burns on his hands.
The F1 world shared his sadness at not having a chance to have a last drive that was not remembered as the one of the dramatic accident. But Toto Wolff, boss of the Mercedes-AMG team, made a commitment to Romain that his crash would not be the closing story of his time in F1. He offered the driver a chance to drive one last time – and it would be in Lewis Hamilton’s World-Championship-winning racing car.
Preparing for drive at Paul Ricard
Romain has already been to the Mercedes-AMG F1 team’s base in England to undergo a seat fit and has spent time in the simulator in preparation for a specially-organised drive at the Frenchman’s home track, the Paul Ricard Circuit, on June 29. He will also take part in a series of demo laps ahead of the French Grand Prix which will be on June 27.
“I am so excited to jump back in an F1 car! It will be a special opportunity for me and to drive a World Championship-winning Mercedes will be a unique experience. I’m very grateful to Mercedes F1 and to Toto for the opportunity. The first I heard about the chance to drive a Mercedes was in my hospital bed in Bahrain when Toto was speaking to the media and made the invitation. Reading that news cheered me up a lot!” said Romain.
Last December, Toto Wolff made a commitment to Romain to let him have a drive in a F1 car so that his memory of his last drive would be a good one, and not of the accident.
A commitment from Toto
Toto said that the idea first came when it looked like Romain would be ending his active career in Formula 1. “We didn’t want his accident to be his last moment in an F1 car, and we are very happy to support Romain with this special opportunity,” he said.
“I have known Romain since his days in Formula 3 when he won the Championship. He enjoyed a long and successful F1 career and we wanted to make sure that his final memories would be at the wheel of a championship-winning car,” Toto said. “Romain’s accident reminds us of the dangers these guys face each time they climb into the cockpit but it’s also a testament to the incredible steps this sport has taken to improve safety over the years. I know the F1 community will celebrate seeing Romain back on track.”
While he leaves F1, Romain is not stopping racing altogether. He will compete in the IndyCar series for Dale Coyne Racing with RWR.
Not content with just winning, Audi Sport customer racing has launched a small series of its race cars.
Audi R8 LMS GT2 Tactical green
This took place shortly after the company’s first two major victories with the Audi R8 LMS GT2 at Monza.
Audi R8 LMS GT2 Kyalami green
This six characterful colours transform the most powerful model of the R8 LMS into unique individual collectors items.
Audi R8 LMS GT2 Vegas yellow
The colours also have unique names: Kyalami Green, Misano Red, Nogaro Blue, Sebring Black, Tactical Green, Vegas Yellow.
Audi R8 LMS GT2 Misano red
These unique colours for the R8 LMS GT2 marks the first time in the 13 year history of Audi Sport customer racing where such a colour concept is made available to Audi customers.
These cars in such a unique colour are a one-off and guarantees pure individuality and will never be available again.
Audi R8 LMS GT2 Nogaro blue
The cars retain the ‘made-in-Hungary’ 640hp V10 that also powers the production R8 while the chassis is the same aluminium-CFRP composite that lays the foundation for the racing R8.
Audi R8 LMS GT2 Sebring black
The ready to race Audi R8 LMS GT2 is available at 349,000 Euros (plus VAT).
