Images: BMW's personalized Titan transforms stock roadster into a 140 hp drag racing beast with nitrous oxide fuel
In a groundbreaking development, BMW Motorrad, the renowned automotive manufacturer, has unveiled the BMW R 1300 R "TITAN". This highly customized sprint-focused motorcycle, born from the passion and expertise of BMW Motorrad's design and engineering team, is a testament to raw power, cutting-edge engineering, and bold design.
The BMW R 1300 R "TITAN" boasts an aggressive and aerodynamic build, with a compact, front-heavy stance that resembles a predatory cat poised to sprint. The rear is aggressively elevated, contributing to aerodynamic efficiency and explosive starts. The bike's custom forged carbon monocoque body, featuring a striking metallic blue graphic paint design, not only adds to its visual appeal but also emphasizes motion even when stationary.
A hard-tuned Wilbers chassis, complete with a long swing arm, keeps the bike firmly planted during launches, enhancing control and power transfer to the tarmac. The bespoke dual-flow titanium Akrapovič exhaust, running from the two cylinders and exiting under the rear tail, enhances both sound and performance. The footrests are positioned far back for an optimal sprint-racing riding posture, and a Magura HC3 brake lever ensures precise braking control.
The underlying 1300cc boxer engine delivers around 143-145 hp and 149 Nm of torque in stock form. A key performance highlight is an integrated nitrous oxide system, situated between the two titanium silencers under the seat, which adds an extra 30-40 horsepower at the push of a button. This boost immensely increases acceleration, cutting the sprint to 100 km/h to under three seconds and enabling top speeds exceeding 200 km/h.
The BMW R 1300 R "TITAN" is designed primarily as a sprint racer, optimized for quarter-mile drag runs with breathtaking thrust, rapid acceleration, and outstanding traction thanks to its chassis and weight distribution. This one-off motorcycle, while not destined for production, serves as a showcase of BMW Motorrad’s innovation.
Meanwhile, in other technological advancements, a US firm is developing a maglev space ramp to fire rockets to orbit with minimal fuel. A safer, long-lasting lithium battery has been built with a breakthrough method to boost EV efficiency. Meta leaders have settled an $8 billion lawsuit, avoiding testifying in a privacy violations case. ChatGPT has been upgraded to automate workflows from start to finish. A wood-steel EV battery case has passed a 2,372°F fire test and runs 212°F cooler than Tesla's. China has developed a battery that retains 100% capacity after 350 cycles with improved electrolyte.
Elsewhere, a new hydrogen-powered drone can fly silently at 12,000 feet to evade enemy radars. Australia's Navy is testing gravity-based navigation tech to counter GPS signal spoofing. A US firm's gecko feet-inspired 'tow truck for space' has been tested for correcting satellite orbits. These advancements underscore the rapid pace of technological innovation across various industries.
The BMW R 1300 R "TITAN" may not be produced, but it serves as a showcase of BMW Motorrad's innovation in the realm of robotics and science, integrating a nitrous oxide system to enhance performance. In contrast, a US firm is pioneering advancements in technology, seeking to develop a maglev space ramp for launching rockets to orbit, aiming to reduce fuel consumption.
