Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Confirmed: BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-"engine"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/confirmed-bmw-i3-to-be-rwd-mid-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/confirmed-bmw-i3-to-be-rwd-mid-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/confirmed-bmw-i3-to-be-rwd-mid-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 BMW i3 prototype spy shot
2013 BMW i3 prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

As if the spy video we featured previously wasn't enough proof, today we've confirmed that the smallest BMW i family offering, the i3, will be coming to market in 2013 with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, and the electric motor powering those wheels will be mounted amidships.

The platform, which is all-new and primarily comprised of carbon fiber, was developed to house the motor ahead of the rear wheels, with the battery pack mounted below the trunk. According to a BMW spokesperson, the drivetrain can be completely separated from the body, making service and replacement a cinch.

The first version of this all-electric drivetrain will be fitted to the ActiveE 1-Series, BMW's second EV after the Mini E, which will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. However, the primary difference between the i3's system and the unit fitted to the ActiveE is the battery pack. On the i3, the cells will be grouped together, whereas the electrified 1 Series will have battery packs spanning the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk. Additionally, BMW will be using the NY show to announce the lease plan and pricing for the Active E, so for those looking to get in on the EV sports coupe action, start saving your pennies now.


Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW i3


[Images: CarPix]

Confirmed: BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-"engine" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw i3bmw city carbmw evbmw ibmw i3i3Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19900197/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/01/confirmed-bmw-i3-to-be-rwd-mid-engine/19900197/article-detail.xml 19900197 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/02-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/02-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar-630op.jpg <![CDATA[BMW exec confirms electric city car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/bmw-exec-confirms-electric-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/bmw-exec-confirms-electric-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/bmw-exec-confirms-electric-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fuel-efficient city cars are being created at automaker R&D departments the world over, and even BMW plans on getting in on the action. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German automaker was working on a 'mega city car' that will carry an all-new look, and two powertrains. One micro car will receive motivation with the aid of standard combustion, but the other will be pure electric. The electric vehicle will also comply with a California mandate that by 2012 there must be a fuel cell or battery-powered car that can travel 200 on a single charge. For comparison sake, GM promises at least 40 miles for the Chevy Volt, and Mitsubishi is looking at 100 mpg for the iMiEV.

It's also worth mentioning that the BMW CEO specifically pointed out that it meets California regulations, signaling that the vehicle would be available Stateside. There is still no word regarding which of BMW's three brands would be used for the vehicle, but we're still very sure it won't be a Rolls Royce.

[Source: AutoCar]

BMW exec confirms electric city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW city carBmwCityCarmega city carMegaCityCarFri, 12 Sep 2008 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1312665/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/09/12/bmw-exec-confirms-electric-city-car/1312665/article-detail.xml 1312665 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/bmwisetta_new_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/bmwisetta_new_450op.jpg <![CDATA[BMW launching Project i to develop city cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/bmw-launching-project-i-to-develop-city-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/bmw-launching-project-i-to-develop-city-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/bmw-launching-project-i-to-develop-city-cars/#commentsFiled under:

BMW is taking the prospect of building city cars seriously with the launch of Project i. The new research and development unit of the Bavarian automaker is being established to look at alternative solutions for urban vehicles for use in metropolitan cores where access and emissions pose growing difficulties for conventional automobiles to operate.

Although BMW is not ruling out the possibility of launching a fourth brand based on the project's conclusions, it's waiting to see what those findings will be - anticipated to arrive no sooner than the first half of the next decade (by which time things may not be labeled iEverything anymore) - before it makes any decisions. In speaking with Automotive New Europe, chief executive Norbert Reithofer said his company would first determine what form its city cars would take, and then figure out if it would fit in to the BMW line-up, make a new MINI model or justify its own sub-brand. One thing's for sure, though: it won't be a Rolls-Royce.

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

BMW launching Project i to develop city cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw city carbmw project ibmw smartbmw urban developmentbmw urban vehicleBmwCityCarBmwProjectIBmwSmartBmwUrbanDevelopmentBmwUrbanVehicleproject iProjectIWed, 19 Mar 2008 07:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1143027/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/19/bmw-launching-project-i-to-develop-city-cars/1143027/article-detail.xml 1143027 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/bmw_eye-blue_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/bmw_eye-blue.jpg -1 2