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BMW to reveal "green" concept alongside M3 convertible in Geneva
Click above to see a video of the BMW PAV in action.
While a lot of attention will be paid to BMW's M3 convertible fitted with the automaker's new dual-clutch gearbox, another vehicle set to debut in Geneva has the potential of being as important, if not more so. BMW plans to show off a new concept utilizing its Efficient Dynamics powertrain and it could be our first glimpse of the recently spied Progressive Activity Sedan.
At this point, the details about the concept are minimal, but considering BMW's penchant for unveiling near-production ready concepts with next generation drivetrains (ala X6), it's a distinct possibility. And with sales of the PAV expected to begin sometime next year, Geneva might be the first place BMW shows off its plans to assault the people-mover segment.
[Source: InsideLine]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Turbofrog 3:48PM (2/01/2008)
It would be nice if BMW put its engineering prowess towards making a concept that is actually green, rather than a slightly more efficient version of their existing gas-guzzlers (i.e. the X6 hybrid - 20% improvement? come on now)
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davido 4:04PM (2/01/2008)
I find it fascinating that one of the avenues automakers are taking in search of greater efficiency involves looking at a mature technology like ICE drivetrains and trying to find a way to minimize energy lost as heat and recapture and utilize some of that energy as well. Heat loss has always been taken for granted, even though everyone has always known that heat loss is energy loss.
Between efforts like this and the work on new fuels and drivetrains, this is as interesting a period as I can remember in automotive technology, as exciting for cars as the transition from pistons to jets were for aircraft in the 1950's.
And for those who hate everything "green," I'm reminded that one of the great innovations in jet engine technology, the ducted fan turbojet was the by-product of looking for a solution to an environmental problem, in that case noise. The effort to reduce noise led to a technology that similtaneously produces greater power and efficiency.
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KarlInSanDiego 4:37PM (2/01/2008)
I hope that profile's nothing more than camoflage. I just had a mini puke in my mouth.
Progressive Activity Vehicle? Talk about not surviving translation. Thats like calling sex a dual biped procreation activity. Really makes you want to join in, eh?
I agree with the above. Any work spent on ICE is time wasted when they should be first to market with the killer EV.
In related news this week:
Johnson Controls Inc. and French electric battery specialist Saft Group SA said Thursday a jointly owned company, Johnson Controls-Saft, has opened a new lithium-ion automotive battery manufacturing facility at Nersac, France.
"OK, but... you asked for it. Hold on to your butts!"
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AMcA 7:40PM (2/01/2008)
Is this the one that's lower than an X6 (which is lower than an X5) but still higher than a conventional 5?
A leeetle too much segmentation here . . . .
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