BMW 8 Series Convertible Development in Death Valley
Testing the BMW 8 Series Convertible
BMW continues to elevate luxury automotive design with the development of the new BMW 8 Series Convertible. This critical phase involves intensive functionality and driving tests conducted between Las Vegas and Death Valley in the United States.
Testing Conditions
The results obtained from testing in the extreme heat of the western United States provide vital data on the operational safety of the mechanical and electronic components under tough climatic conditions. The rigorous testing program for the new BMW 8 Series Convertible includes:
- Exposure to temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
- Enduring thick dust on the edge of the desert.
- Repeated stops and starts at traffic signals on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Driving on gravel roads around Mount Whitney.
- Long trips between the Pacific Coast and the Rocky Mountains.
Additional Tests in Death Valley
While the conditions in Death Valley are certainly not ideal for driving a convertible, the extreme heat and dryness of the Mojave Desert National Park create the perfect environment for a unique stress test. Within a prototype of the BMW 8 Series Convertible:
- The vehicle remained under the scorching sun for several hours.
- BMW engineers assessed the electronic devices and high-fidelity systems.
- They tested sensors and cameras within the driver assistance systems.
- Connectivity and seat adjustment functionalities were verified.
- Automated temperature control systems were examined.
Technology and Performance
The prototype's journey to the Hoover Dam posed additional challenges for the vehicle's electronics. The strong electromagnetic waves emitted by the turbines of the hydroelectric plant serve as an excellent measure to ensure that the electronic systems remain unaffected by external interference.
Testing the Convertible Roof
The multi-layered, dust-resistant retractable roof was extensively tested on endless routes across the desert and the iconic Death Valley. The challenges faced by both the testers and the vehicle formed the foundation for a new level of driving enjoyment in a luxury convertible.
The Importance of Testing
The significance of hot climate testing for the development of the BMW 8 Series Convertible parallels that of the winter testing program at the Arjeplog test center in Sweden, as well as the intensive driving tests conducted on the BMW Group's Miramas track in southern France and at the Nürburgring.
Developers can only confirm that they have created an exceptional vehicle designed for the luxury segment after completing extensive testing over thousands of kilometers.
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