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BMW i3s traction control tech going in all BMW, Mini cars

The BMW i3s is essentially a warmed-up version of the i3 electric car we all know and love. The performance boost isn't huge — just 14 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque — but it also gets a new suspension, wheels and tires as well as an improved traction control system. We found the car to benefit from all the updates when we drove it for our First Drive Review, but now BMW has offered up more details on just how the traction control system of the i3s helps make it better to drive. The company says it'll expand the technology to all future BMW and Mini models as well. The i3s's system is calibrated to help it to pull away quickly from a stop, making full use of the instantaneous torque offered by the electric motor. It also improves stability when accelerating out of corners, when using regenerative braking and, of course, when the road conditions are less than ideal. The results are palpable, and with the other improvements the i3s definitely feels stronger off the line, as we found on our drive. It's also about a half-second quicker to 60 miles per hour, at 6.8 seconds. The secret is in the response time of the stability control, which BMW claims is 50 times faster than the conventional system. This is made possible by moving the control process into the powertrain itself, rather than a remote unit. This reduces the signal path and, thus, the response time of the traction control system. BMW's Head of Chassis Development, Peter Langen, said of it, "With their high levels of torque and instantaneous responses to every movement of the accelerator, electric motors already make significantly higher demands on driving stability systems than conventional power units." While engineered to make the most of the electric motor, BMW says the shorter cycles of this traction control system show promise for internal combustion vehicles as well. As such, we'll begin to see the improved technology applied across the BMW and Mini lineups going forward. Related Video:

BMW spotted testing new 5 Series Gran Turismo

As previously reported, BMW is going ahead with a second-generation 5 Series Gran Turismo, no matter how silly the first generation of the sedan-cum-hatchback-cum-wagon may be. These are our first spy photos of that new vehicle, which is still on track for a late 2016 debut. Perhaps the best thing we can say about the next 5GT is that it won't be quite so hunchbacked. The seven images provided by our spy photographer show a car with a profile that's far more svelte than the bulbous entry on offer today. The roofline, in particular, is more aggressively raked at the rear and there's a proper, distinguished rear deck, as well. Part of what makes today's 5 Series GT look so bizarre is the combination of an almost fastback tail with a very tall decklid height. While the updated model still features that high rear – you can actually see where the beltline kicks up at the rear quarter window – the fastback styling has been softened so that it doesn't look quite so bizarre. The new Gran Turismo should also be a much better steer than the 5GT currently on offer. Our spies report that this next-gen model will be significantly lighter, which is something we can always get behind. Engine options will consist of gas, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid, as is the trend, although specifics aren't quite available yet. Spitballing, though, it's almost a guarantee that the next 5GT will share the 5 Series sedan's engine lineup. Expect a number of carryover engines there – 2.0-liter turbo four, 3.0-liter turbo six, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, and 3.0-liter diesel, probably – along with a plug-in hybrid option, although nothing's been confirmed so far. With an official debut slated for late next year, either Paris or Los Angeles seem like a logical debut location.

BMW recalls 840,000 vehicles to replace Takata airbags

The Basics: BMW will recall about 840,000 vehicles in the US, and they include: 2008–2013 1 Series Coupe (incl. 1M) 2008–2013 1 Series Convertible 2008–2013 3 Series Sedan (incl. M3) 2009–2011 335d Sedan 2006–2012 3 Series Sports Wagon 2007–2013 3 Series Coupe (incl. M3) 2007–2013 3 Series Convertible (incl. M3) 2013–2015 X1 2007–2010 X3 2007–2013 X5 (incl. X5 M) 2009–2013 X5 xDrive35d 2008–2014 X6 (incl. X6 M) 2010–2011 X6 ActiveHybrid The full list, which includes approximate volumes and production dates, is in BMW's statement, below. The Problem: The vehicles have Takata's PSDI-5 driver side airbag inflators, and the parts could rupture in a crash. Injuries/Deaths: None reported in this population of vehicles. The Fix: BMW will replace the driver airbag on these vehicles. If You Own One: BMW will send owners a letter advising them about the recall, and people will receive a second letter when the parts are available for the repairs More Information: This recall stems from Takata and NHTSA's announcement in late January that automakers need to repair about five million vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Mazda, and Honda have already announced recalls due to this expansion. Related Video: BMW statement BMW has notified NHTSA of its intention to recall approximately 840,000 cars and Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with Takata PSDI-5 driver-side front air bags to have the driver-side front airbag replaced. These vehicles, covering model years 2006-2015 have not been part of earlier Takata-related air bag recalls. Owners of potentially affected BMW vehicles will be contacted by first-class mail advising them of the recall. When replacement parts are available, owners will receive another letter with instructions for having the recall completed. Owners with questions can contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or e-mail CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com. Model Model Years Approx. Vol. Production Dates 1 Series Coupe (incl. 1M) 2008 – 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 – Oct 2013 1 Series Convertible 2008 – 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 – Oct 2013 3 Series Sedan (incl. M3) 2006 – 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 – Dec 2011 335d Sedan 2009 – 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 – Aug 2011 3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 – 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 – May 2012 3 Series Coupe (incl. M3) 2007 – 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 – Jun 2013 3 Series Convertible (incl.