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BMW i3 Concept – dynamic, urban,
emission-free
The BMW i3 Concept is an
uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas.
Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the
demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies
an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
The BMW i3 is a well-resolved
all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimised to
fulfil its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive
architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious
and dynamic. Innovative use of materials and intelligent
lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the i3 Concept to
travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb
safety in the event of a collision, they also help give the car
its excellent driving dynamics.
The electric motor over the rear
axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive
torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small
turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving
characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60
km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h
(62 mph) in less than eight seconds.
The so-called Life module conjures
up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the
latest conversion vehicles can offer. Select materials lend the
open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of
renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of
the interior, offering passengers a further means of
“experiencing” the sustainability of the vehicle. Parts of the
instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from
natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the seats
creates a lounge-style ambience. With four seats, wide-opening
opposing “coach” doors, a boot capacity of around 200 litres and
an additional functional compartment in the front, the BMW i3
Concept is neatly equipped for the demands of everyday use.
Innovative connectivity functions
create a seamless connection between the BMW i3 Concept and its
customers’ lives outside the car. Remote functions accessible
via a smartphone enable owners to find their vehicles, flag up
nearby charging stations, allow battery charging and
preconditioning at the touch of a button, and supply information
on the current status of the vehicle. Meanwhile, intelligent
assistance systems ease the stress on drivers in monotonous city
driving situations and allow them to arrive at their destination
more safely and in a more relaxed state of mind.
BMW i8 Concept – emotional,
dynamic and efficient
The BMW i8 Concept and the
fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a
sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its
innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric
drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front
axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine
producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear.
Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display
their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance
of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62
mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the
European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx.
94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any
vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable
performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can
be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can
travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power
alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for
four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
The LifeDrive architecture of the
BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the
vehicle’s sports car character, and therefore to deliver
unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor
in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are
connected by an “energy tunnel”, which houses the high-voltage
battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the
dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the
electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the
space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components
result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
BMW i thinks beyond the vehicle
An additional range of mobility
services – which can also be used independently of the cars –
will be an integral component of BMW i alongside the vehicles
themselves. A totally new development in this area will be
vehicle-independent mobility services. Here the focus is on
solutions which will improve usage of existing parking spaces,
as well as intelligent navigation systems with local
information, intermodal route planning and premium car-sharing.
In addition to service packages developed in-house, the BMW is
pursuing cooperations with partner companies as well as
strategic capital investments with providers of mobility
services. BMW i Ventures was established with this purpose in
mind. The company aims to expand the product portfolio of BMW i
over the long term with stakes in highly innovative service
providers, such as MyCityWay and ParkatmyHouse.
Photos: BMW
(July 29, 2011)
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