According to BMW of North America, the brand will be making a special racing wheelchair specifically designed for members of Team USA Paralympics Track & Field Team for the Rio 2016 Paralympics. This would mark the fourth vehicle that BMW has designed as part of their six-year partnership with Team USA to support the brand’s global commitment to performance-driven sports. The most recent vehicle was a two-man bobsled that helped Team USA to bring home their first medal in 62 years at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
“Over the course of our partnership with Team USA, we have been committed to advancing athletic performance through technology transfer initiatives which help to address their training and equipment needs,” said Trudy Hardy, Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America. “This one is special not only because it presents a unique design challenge, but it helps solve a bigger mobility challenge for our Paralympic athletes.”
BMW’s design team Designworks will design this new wheelchair with assistance from members of the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field Team who will provide input offering a perspective from the individuals who will be using the chair to compete. Some of the new enhancements that are expected on this wheelchair include carbon fiber durability, steering and braking advancements, enhanced athlete restraint, BMW’s signature aerodynamic efficiencies, and a redesigned chassis.
