Frankfurt 2013: BMW's Indoor Test Track

"Mosqvich" (mosqvich) 08/02/2013 at 09:39 • Filed to: Frankfurt, BMW, IAA, Test Track, i3, 4-series, i8, X5

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Test driving cars isn't really anything new at auto shows, but building a test track inside the venue adds a dynamic at the upcoming IAA Auto Show in Frankfurt this September not experienced by too many auto show goers any where in the world. BMW is building this nearly 300 meter track and will allow not only the Press, but show visitors to drive its cars.

The focus is on the i3, which the automaker says will do over 9,000 km during the show, but will also have its other vehicles drive on the track. To many of us, the more interesting use will be the new 4-series, the new X5, and other BMW vehicles. In those 9,000 km the i3 could drive from Frankfurt to San Francisco, but it'd need to recharge often. "The dynamic presentation of our vehicles on the track is unique" says Steven Althaus, the gentleman who leads Brand Management BMW and Marketing Services BMW Group. BMW's key premiere at Frankfurt will by the Hybrid Sports car i8.

Bandit > Mosqvich 08/02/2013 at 09:42

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Powerslide here.

desertdog5051 > Mosqvich 08/02/2013 at 12:52

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Oops, (takes out 2 elderly Germans looking at the new cars)

Takuro Spirit > Mosqvich 08/02/2013 at 16:36

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Understeering into a wall

Spacecadet > Mosqvich 08/03/2013 at 01:40

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Chrysler group did this at chicago for years, lots of fun!

wbizarre - OEM fetishist > Mosqvich 08/03/2013 at 11:49

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BMW definitely had a track at Frankfurt in 2009, incidentally the year the i8(Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics back then) debuted. And I'm pretty sure they've built tracks before and since then. Nothing extraordinary here.

Mosqvich > wbizarre - OEM fetishist 08/03/2013 at 11:52

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I think the story here really is the shape. Perhaps I failed at pointing that out.

wbizarre - OEM fetishist > Mosqvich 08/03/2013 at 13:45

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It certainly is cool, and the Germans go all-out on their home turf. I think Audi had a track last year.