(from BMW Press Release) The BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride.
Munich . Winter may be approaching, but the new BMW X1 has already arrived. With the services of the all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive to call on, it is perfectly equipped to offer assured driving pleasure on snow. The outstanding agility of the compact BMW X model and the superior traction of its intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system make it the ideal choice of transport to the ski slopes. And now a concept car based on the BMW X1 and a special-edition model are set to highlight the brand’s close connection to winter sport.
The world premiere of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride at the Los Angeles Auto Show (30 November – 9 December 2012) acts as a clear pointer to imminent high-speed action on the slopes. The presentation comes just a few weeks after the unveiling of the new BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride in time for the start of the winter sport season. The exclusive equipment features of this special-edition model represent a detailed response to the needs of a target group who get their sporting kicks on snow-covered pistes.
Providing limitless fun on and off piste: the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride.
Youthful, sporting design and lifestyle-oriented functionality shape the face of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride. The concept car is the result of a three-year cooperation between BMW and winter sport equipment supplier K2. It embodies both the agile and surefooted driving characteristics of the BMW X1 – even, thanks to BMW xDrive, under challenging conditions – and the intense thrill of winter sport. The BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride blends bespoke exterior features with an exclusive roof structure and refined additions to interior details. Valencia Orange metallic paintwork is complemented by a distinctive graphic whose design takes its cues from a limited-edition K2 ski. A central element of this crossover graphic is the stylised image of a fox, which forges ahead of a dynamically penned X from the rear of the car to the front doors.
The exterior design of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride backs up this energy-laden graphic with a sprinkling of other distinctive characteristics which accentuate the sporting instincts of the compact BMW X model to impressive effect. An extra eight millimetres of suspension travel over the standard model and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey with polished spokes exude a feeling of power and presence. The Ferric Grey trim of the front and rear sills and side skirts emphasise the car’s uncontained forward momentum over snow and loose ground. Dark tinted side windows with matt Black surrounds and the roof rails – likewise painted matt Black – form an appealing contrast to the rich colours of the body surfaces.
Roof structure with innovative ski holder and powerful Harman Kardon
hi-fi sound fuel the piste party.
The unique roof structure specially developed for the concept car is made from milled aluminium. Its broad functionality is reflected in an asymmetric structure: two luggage boxes and a ski carrier are positioned alongside one another. The ski carrier, which can be found on the front passenger side of the car, has an innovative retaining mechanism, while the skis are held at an angle to make their distinctive surface design particularly visible. Designed exclusively for the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride, the skis also feature the fox graphic, as well as a colour scheme inspired by wood, brushed aluminium and carbon surfaces. Its White and Valencia Orange running surfaces display the brand logos of BMW and K2 on either side of a broadly spread X.
A sound system from Harman Kardon is installed in the two luggage boxes on the driver’s side. High-end hi-fi systems from the specialist brand also provide an extremely dynamic audio experience in standard series-produced BMW models. The two-way loudspeakers installed in the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride generate output of 320 watts and turn the cars into a powerful sound stage for après ski fun with a difference at the end of the valley run. A Class D amplifier with 2 x 550-watt output, a 500-watt subwoofer and a high-quality microphone from AKG are also on hand for those spontaneous parties in the snow. And the transparent sounds can be complemented by visual effects, for good measure. The luggage boxes can be illuminated in Blue and Orange, as desired, and three LED spotlights are integrated into the front edge of the roof structure.
The sporting characteristics and exclusive style of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride are also underlined by bespoke interior design. Black Nappa leather with orange-coloured contrast stitching for the seats and door trim and interior trim strips in exquisite Fineline Bay wood trim conjure up an ambience imbued with quality and individual sophistication. In keeping with the theme, and as a mirror image of the exterior’s contrasting effects, the black floor mats have reflective piping and orange-coloured accents.
