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BMW unleashes 160-hp S 1000 R streetfighter motorcycle

BMW Motorrad released the S 1000 RR superbike in 2010, but for those who'd like to take it down a (small) notch, the German motorcycle maker introduced the 2014 S 1000 R, a slightly less-ballsy version of the range-topping superbike, at EICMA on Tuesday.
In its transformation from 193-horsepower superbike to 160-hp sportbike, BMW detuned the 999cc inline four-cylinder engine a bit by lowering the redline from 13,000 RPM to 11,000 RPM, where peak power is made. Torque is rated at "approximately" 83 pound-feet (the RR makes 82.5 lb-ft), but more importantly, engineers tweaked the torque delivery in the R's favor by redesigning the cylinder-head ducts, modifying the camshaft profiles and reprogramming the engine management system. The result is seven lb-ft more torque than the RR up to 7,500 RPM. The R's torque peak occurs at 9,250 RPM.
The bike comes standard with ASC (automatic stability control) and "Race" ABS. Riders can choose between two modes, "Road" and "Rain," which adjust ABS and ASC settings to suit dry or wet roads. DTC (dynamic traction control) is available as an option, and with two modes, "Dynamic" and "Dynamic Pro," the system optimizes traction and helps riders achieve maximum acceleration.

Google reveals Alphabet, but BMW already owns that trademark

Google co-founder Larry Page unveiled a surprise restructuring yesterday with the announcement of Alphabet, a new company that owns Google and all of its semi-related products. Google's stock soared five percent directly after the announcement, the world was busy dissecting the meaning of alpha and bet, and things looked rosy for the new company. However, there could be one problem: BMW owns the trademark and .com domain for "Alphabet." And it doesn't want to sell, a spokesperson tells the New York Times. BMW's Alphabet provides service packages to corporations with vehicle fleets. In terms of trademark infringement, it's no problem for two companies to have the same name, as long as there's no possibility of confusion for customers. In this case, there is at least one clear connection between the two organizations: BMW is a car manufacturer and Alphabet owns Google, which has a line of self-driving cars. BMW is looking into the possibility of trademark infringement, NYT reports. As for the Alphabet domain, Google's new company has secured abc.xyz, so BMW can continue using alphabet.com without worry – except for the apparent traffic overload that hit the site after Page's announcement. Google's Alphabet has a different domain issue to tackle: China has blocked its new site, despite expansive local coverage of the restructuring, Fast Company reports. This article by Jessica Conditt originally ran on Engadget, the definitive guide to this connected life. News Source: The New York TimesImage Credit: Associated Press Government/Legal BMW Technology trademark alphabet

BMW reacquires original factory as classic center

BMW was barely two years old when it started manufacturing airplane engines in a factory on Moosacher Strasse in Munich. Two years after that, it sold the factory to Knorr-Bremse AG, a leading manufacturer of brakes for trains and commercial vehicles, and BMW moved into a new facility on Lerchenauer Strasse. There it expanded into the industrial giant we know today, building engines for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and planes. It's taken the better part of a century to get that original factory back, but that's exactly what BMW has done, reacquiring the expanded facility from Knorr-Bremse this month.
The factory on Moonsacher Strasse will now serve as the headquarters for BMW Group Classic, the division that handles archives and historical vehicles for BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce. From there, just a stone's throw from corporate headquarters and its main plant (as well as BMW Welt and the BMW Museum), the classic division's operations will include a restoration workshop, vintage parts store, the company's archives, administration as well as a place to hold events. In addition, there will be an exhibition space for historical vehicles from the company's considerable collection.
At the heart of the new/old campus is the gatehouse, which is a protected heritage site and will serve as a gateway into the company's history. Read the full details in the press release below.