Archive for October, 2011

An Electric Motor  uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, very typically through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors. The reverse process, producing electrical energy from mechanical energy, is accomplished by a generator or dynamo. Many types of electric motors can be run as generators, and vice versa. For example a starter/generator for a gas turbine or traction motors used on vehicles often perform both tasks.

Electric motors are found in applications as diverse as industrial fans, blowers and pumps, machine tools, household appliances, power tools(power tool battery), and disk drives. They may be powered by direct current (for example a battery powered portable device or motor vehicle), or by alternating current from a central electrical distribution grid.

The smallest motors may be found in electric wristwatches. Medium-size motors of highly standardized dimensions and characteristics provide convenient mechanical power for industrial uses. The largest electric motors are used for propulsion of large ships, and for such purposes as pipeline compressors, with ratings in the millions of watts. Electric motors may be classified by the source of electric power, by their internal construction, by their application, or by the type of motion they give.

The physical principle of production of mechanical force by the interactions of an electric current and a magnetic field was known as early as 1821. Electric motors of increasing efficiency were constructed throughout the 19th century, but commercial exploitation of electric motors on a large scale required efficient electrical generators and electrical distribution networks.

Some devices, such as magnetic solenoids and loudspeakers, although they generate some mechanical power, are not generally referred to as electric motors, and are usually termed actuators and transducers, respectively.

Electric motors can generally be divided into several types: alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, and universal motors. A DC electric motor will not run when supplied with AC current, nor will an AC motor run with DC current; a universal motor will run with either AC or DC current. AC electric motors are further subdivided into single phase and three phase motors. Single phase AC electrical supply is what is typically supplied in a home. Three phase electrical power is commonly only available in a factory setting.

Sport Sedan Appeal

The BMW M3 has been the standard for sports sedans. The M3 has character as well as sophistication and the right reputation for just about every scenario. The car is at home whether at home, work or at the track and is one feature the car has possessed since its inception. The M3 has kept true to its roots all its life and this has helped it to grow into a more dedicated all-round car. An engine in the front, a transmission in the middle and power to the back is the setup.

BMW development

The engine has changed many times over as has the body, but the spirit and soul have remained untouched. The M3 in 2011 comes in 4 choice flavours. A sedan, a station wagon, a coupé and a convertible. The engine at the heart of the beast this year is a 4.0 litre V8 engine which revs all the way up to 8400 rpm.

This is from a used M3 engine with a design that was drawn first in 2009.  It comes with your choice of a 6 speed manual or an automatic. The engine develops 414 horsepower and gets to 60 in 4.6 seconds. Staggering performance for a car that seats 5 and will take their luggage as well.

Suspension

Wheels are 18 inches and come wrapped in all season tyres. A limited slip rear differential helps get the power down to the ground and keeps it there. Available in the competition package are 19 inch wheels with a shock absorber setup with electronically controlled damping to keep the car straight and true when you hammer it, and to keep the wheels as perpendicular to the road as possible when you hit a corner. This setup is different from the base model and comes with upgraded stability control.

Transmissions

The 6 speed manual is standard, while the double clutch 7 speed has automatic manual transmission. You can buy these in any body style and the combinations result in only slight differences in top speed and acceleration. The combinations are good for 13 or 14 mile per gallon returns in the city and 22 miles per gallon is observed on the highway with the manual coupé.

Safety

High on the agenda of every manufacturer these days is safety and the M3 ships with at least 10 airbags all around. The upgraded seatbelt  for 2011 and the bigger diameter brakes will better help you get out of trouble with a stopping distance from 60 miles per hour in just 100 feet.

In a word

The M3 is a car anyone is  happy with.  It is a Swiss Army Knife and has anything anyone would want in a car, and some more.