Latest news with #Häcker
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Real Reason BMW's M2 CS Doesn't Have A Manual Box
The Real Reason BMW's M2 CS Doesn't Have A Manual Box originally appeared on Autoblog. The ultimate iteration of the current BMW M2 was unveiled last month, but something was missing. We're referring to the M2 CS, of course, which boasts more power and even beefier bodywork than the normal M2. Sadly, the CS is restricted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option available as in the regular M2. It turns out that the boosted six-cylinder engine in the CS is simply too powerful for BMW's six-speed manual. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Whereas the standard M2 develops 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter engine, the M2 CS dials that up to 523 hp and 479 lb-ft. At Le Mans last weekend, BMW Blog spoke to BMW M's head of R&D, Dirk Häcker, who confirmed that the manual gearbox can only handle up to 473 hp/405 lb-ft, while still being in line with the company's requirements. If BMW released the M2 CS with a manual, it would have had to reduce the engine's outputs to a point where it would not have been enough to justify the CS badge. It decided against going that route, which means the only alternative was the automatic. The larger M4 follows a similar recipe: In base 473-hp form, it has a manual, but the 503-hp M4 Competition only gets an automatic. It may not have a manual, but the M2 CS is so powerful that your focus is probably better spent on watching the road ahead than shifting gears. This compact coupe will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and top out at 188 mph, its performance also aided by a weight reduction of nearly 100 limited and staggeringly expensive BMW 3.0 CSL conflicts Häcker's statement somewhat, as it has a six-speed manual yet produced 552 hp. There's a good reason for this, though. 'It's nearly the same one [gearbox used by the M2 and 3.0CSL],' said Häcker. 'The thing is, we have different requirements. I think everybody knows the 3.0 CSL is a very rare, exclusive car. It will not be driven every day. Also, not the mileage. So, we had a special commitment overall to use [the manual] there, but it's not an option for a track tool or something like that.' Interestingly, the 3.0 CSL is more powerful but less torquey (406 lb-ft) than the M2 CS, so it appears BMW even had to make some compromises in this 50-unit exotic to make it work as a manual. Ultimately, BMW M surely has the expertise to develop a brawnier manual 'box that can handle the M2 CS' outputs. After all, much more powerful cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (668 hp) and Lamborghini Murciélago (661 hp) have manuals. But developing an all-new manual for a low-volume car like the M2 CS may not have been worth the investment for BMW at this stage. Although the ultimate M2 misses out on a manual, BMW is still keeping the stick-shift alive where it can. Thanks to strong demand, the Z4 roadster manual is sticking around for longer than anticipated. Together with the M2, M3, and M4, there are still (almost) a handful of new manual BMWs to keep purists Real Reason BMW's M2 CS Doesn't Have A Manual Box first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Gulf Business
30-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Beyond the kitchen: How Häcker is redefining elevated living in the UAE
Image: Supplied In the evolving landscape of home design, the kitchen has become more than a place of utility — it's an extended living area. In the UAE, this transformation is especially evident as homeowners seek bespoke, design-led solutions that merge aesthetic expression with functional excellence. 'Our clients are not just investing in a kitchen — they're shaping an experience. A space that reflects who they are and how they live,' says Samir Ranavaya, CEO of Sustainability as a Design Principle Elevated design today is inseparable from environmental responsibility. At Häcker, our commitment to sustainable practices is embedded in every detail—from precision manufacturing to conscious material selection. We incorporate practically formaldehyde-free boards, water-based lacquers, and energy-efficient technologies, working toward the creation of kitchens that are not only aesthetically refined but also environmentally sound. In fact, Häcker is one of the few global kitchen manufacturers offering certified carbon-neutral kitchens — setting a new standard in responsible design. 'As a brand, we believe true value lies in creating spaces that are refined yet responsible,' says Samir Ranavaya. 'Sustainability is not an option — it's a responsibility we embrace with every kitchen we craft.' Refinement in Every Detail Whether within urban residences or expansive private estates, Häcker kitchens are recognised for their seamless integration into interiors that speak of subtle sophistication and understated confidence . Each project is approached with the understanding that no two homes – or homeowners – are the same. From minimalist, handle-less cabinetry to bold textural contrasts in stone and wood, Häcker kitchens adapt not to trends, but to personal vision and context. The Bespoke Philosophy At the core of Häcker's design ethos is a commitment to personalisation . Every kitchen is meticulously crafted – from layout and materials to colours, finishes, and curated aesthetics that reflect individual style. 'Excellence today is defined by how well a product adapts to the individual,' says Samir. 'Our kitchens are not predefined—they are discovered, collaboratively, through a process of careful listening and expert guidance.' Designing with Cultural Awareness Design in the UAE is rich with cultural nuance. From layout preferences to lifestyle needs, each emirate brings its own distinct perspective. Häcker works closely with clients to ensure that its German craftsmanship respects and reflects these regional differences without compromising on its core principles of form, function, and integrity . 'Our approach is to blend global quality with local insight,' Samir shares. 'This is where real design intelligence comes into play creating spaces that feel both contextually relevant and timelessly crafted.' Looking Ahead: The Future of Kitchen Design in the UAE The kitchen is rapidly becoming one of the most innovative spaces in the home. From smart integrations and sustainable surfaces to refined, minimalist aesthetics , Häcker is leading the shift toward kitchens that are both intelligent and intuitive. 'The kitchen today is no longer just a place to prepare meals—it's where families and friends gather, ideas are shared, and quiet moments unfold,' says Samir. 'We design not only for how people cook, but for how they connect, unwind, and truly live within their space.' Echoing this forward-thinking vision, Häcker is totally committed to deliver excellent experience, as Samir quotes 'excellence is our standard, it extends beyond our products, beyond our seamless, five-star experience. Our goal is to get it right, the first time, everytime.' It's a philosophy that resonates deeply with Häcker's own commitment to crafting aesthetics that perform. Craftsmanship That Lasts What defines Häcker's appeal isn't just surface beauty — it's what lies beneath. Precision craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and rigorous German manufacturing standards ensure every kitchen stands the test of time, both in form and in function. 'In a fast-changing world, we remain rooted in the value of craftsmanship,' Samir affirms. 'It's this attention to detail, this insistence on getting it perfect, that makes all the difference.' Empowering the Individual Homeowner At Häcker, design begins with the client. Through collaborative design consultations, curated material selections, and immersive planning tools, we empower homeowners to create kitchens that reflect not just their tastes, but their lifestyle ambitions. Because ultimately, a kitchen is not just a part of the home — it's an extension of the self. And at Häcker, every kitchen tells a story — crafted with precision, expressed through design, and made for those who appreciate the art of living well.
