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How does the BMW i3 handle so well on such narrow tires?

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by ggood, Apr 23, 2015.

  1. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

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    Tire Tech: How does the BMW i3 handle so well on such narrow tires? - CNET

    "The EP500's larger diameter and circumference mean that this tire has a slightly larger contact patch when measured front to rear. This makes up for the compromised width and means that when it's time to turn, there's still enough contact patch to provide adequate grip. On the road, the electric Bimmer's seat-of-the-pants performance felt as good as any of its wider-wheeled competition."

    Comments?
     
    #1 ggood, Apr 23, 2015
  2. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    last time i checked, bikes handled very well with skinner tires. i'm thinking we're going back to bike tires on cars.
     
    #2 Former Member 68813, Apr 23, 2015
  3. se-riously

    se-riously Active Member

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    #3 se-riously, Apr 23, 2015
  4. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    The battery is located very low in the i3. This creates a low center of gravity. Which improves handling.
    I looked at the i3 until I read about its tendency to wander around. Its not very BMW like stability is a BIG turn-off.

    Also the CARB restrictions make the Range Extender ICE option a joke. People report not being able to climb hills after 60 to 70 miles on battery only use. You have to be less than 25% charge before the Range Extender will kick in.
     
    #4 xpcman, Apr 23, 2015
  5. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The larger diameter reduces:
    • tread flex angle - a major source of rolling drag, less flex angle from a larger diameter reduces hysteresis loss
    • slower rotation - the friction torque remains the same but the energy loss is proportional to distance traveled, the rotations
    • reduced profile drag - a narrower tire has less profile reducing the aerodynamic drag
    Bob Wilson
     
    #5 bwilson4web, Apr 26, 2015
  6. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    That is what BMW is good at, great handling cars!
     
    #6 orenji, Apr 26, 2015
  7. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Gross altiger autos commen neuer aus Deutschland.
     
    #7 Mike500, Apr 26, 2015
  8. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    What??
     
    #8 orenji, Apr 26, 2015
  9. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    That's the phrase from the Chrysler 200 TV commercial.

    "High quality cars come only from Gemany."
     
    #9 Mike500, Apr 26, 2015
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