Autoblog

BMW i8 prototype gives us clearest view yet of its form

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Luxury

The BMW i8 is still dashing through the snow on its way to a 2013 debut, and getting more revealing as it does so. The outline of the kidney grille has opened up a bit, and the outline of a Hoffmeister kink has been placed at the rear of the side windows. The door handles appear to have moved off the doors themselves to a spot behind the door shutline. It's too early to tell definitively, but the new door handle location and the lack of the once-plain gap at the A-pillar lead us to believe that the butterfly openings are gone for good.

The plug-in hybrid i8 is expected to pair a 1.5-liter three-cylinder driving the rear wheels with an electric motor driving the front, the combined output predicted at 393 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Assuming its weight really does come in at 3,125 pounds, it will have a 20-mile all-electric range, a top speed of 156 miles per hour, and get from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds.

Check it out in the high-res gallery of spy shots above.

BMW i8 prototype gives us clearest view yet of its form originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW i8 Spyder takes to the stage bearing eDrive name

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style, Electric

BMW has created the BMW i sub-brand for its upcoming production plug-in models, which currently include three concepts: the i3, i8 and the i8 Spyder. After keeping that third model away from our eager cameras at the New York Auto Show, BMW finally showed off the i8 Spyder Concept in the metal at the Beijing Motor Show today.

The car itself we've already learned plenty about, but seeing it on stage shows once again that BMW is serious about putting cars like these on the road (toned down from the concept's style, of course, perhaps with something like this). We're more than ready for the through-the-road, plug-in hybrid that packs a 96-kW (131-horsepower) electric motor in front and a turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine offering 223 hp in back. 0-62 in five seconds and maybe 78 MPGe? Yes, please.

BMW is also making official the "eDrive" name, which is the new catch-all name for all of the electric drivetrain components: motor, battery and motor management system. First hinted at in 2008, the eDrive designation will be used "for the drive technology of all future electric and plug-in hybrid cars," so get used to seeing it a lot.

Continue reading BMW i8 Spyder takes to the stage bearing eDrive name

BMW i8 Spyder takes to the stage bearing eDrive name originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this what the production BMW i8 will look like?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Technology, BMW, Design/Style

Judging from the spy photos we've seen recently, the BMW i8 is coming along nicely. With its more realistic bodywork, the hybrid supercar is beginning to look like something that actually belongs on public streets. Now Sonny Lim, former senior designer for BMW DesignWorks, has taken a stab at what the finished product may look like via a handful of renderings.

With it's shorter wheelbase and clipped length compared to the concept, the production vehicle is rumored to tip the scales at around 3,187 pounds, or just under the concept's original weight goal. Much of that weight savings is thanks to the substantial use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the vehicle's chassis.

With the combination of an electric motor and a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the i8 will reportedly offer buyers just under 400 horsepower and three driving modes. The driver will be able to pick between pure-electric, gasoline or a medley of both. All told, the i8 should deliver a 0-60 mph run of under 4.9 seconds with the help of both power sources.

Is this what the production BMW i8 will look like? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 BMW i8 caught with its doors open

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Judging by the recent spate of i8 spy shots, BMW is cranking away on the plug-in supercar to make sure its primped and ready for its on-sale date in 2014.

However, one thing appears to be missing: the glass panel that extends down past the coupe's belt line. That same design element - which BMW billed as feature for urban driving - probably won't make it to the i8's little EV brother, the i3, either.

But one element that appears to be making the leap from concept to production is the i8's butterfly doors. We've seen them on both the original concept and the follow-up from last year, not to mention its cameo in the last Mission Impossible installment. Now we have photographic proof that the i8's doors will flip up and out, similar to the Ferrari Enzo and past McLarens (both the F1 and SLR). And since the doors appear to open just passed the roof, BMW won't have to resort to the same explosive charges Mercedes-Benz has to employ on the SLS AMG.

2014 BMW i8 caught with its doors open originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW i8 breaks out of Mission: Impossible and into the real world

Chris Paukert — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, BMW, Design/Style, Electric, Diesel, Luxury

If you went to the movies over the holiday, chances are pretty good you saw the latest box-office-topping Tom Cruise vehicle. We're not talking about the globetrotting explosion-fest it came wrapped up in, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol; we're speaking of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car that featured heavily in the movie (along with seemingly every other model in Munich's arsenal).

But the Vision EfficientDynamics coupe isn't just a flight of fancy for the world's auto show circuit or for Cruise's Ethan Hunt character - it's set for production sooner than you think, albeit carrying the i8 moniker. Snapped undergoing testing through a fence, the extended-range plug-in supercar looks ready for the street, if only we could peel away the Van Gogh camouflage. This BMW 2+2 is widely expected to deliver a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and we're expecting the lightweight flyer to lose the unique lower glass door panels of the 2009 show car (a design change hinted at by this prototype's swirly coverup).

Speaking of the doors, they also look to be more conventional in size and possibly operation - the concept car featured elongated butterfly doors that afforded accesses to both the front and rear seats. The prototype seen here would appear to have more conventionally sized apertures. We're guessing that mundane real-world considerations like crash-worthiness and ease of operation had something to do with the transition. Another likely concession to the realities of production auto-making appear to be a pair of rather ungainly bumper-level nacelles in the rear fascia that weren't present on the show car. We're not sure if these are merely reflectors, actual taillights or if they're simply clever camouflage, but we're hoping for the latter.

While the concept was powered by both an electric drivetrain and a small diesel generator, our spies suggest that the production car may switch over to a more conventional turbocharged four-cylinder range-extender. Whether it burns gas or oil, however, the i8 is sure to be one of the most radical cars on the road... and it's likely to carry an exotic price tag to match.

BMW i8 breaks out of Mission: Impossible and into the real world originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to offer laser headlights within next few years

Zach Bowman — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Technology, BMW

We've got good news for you if you've found your life suspiciously lacking in lasers. BMW plans to unveil new lighting technology within the next two to three years that uses highly focused beams of light to illuminate a dark road, according to Inside Line. The news comes courtesy of Hanafi Abdul, an optical systems designer for BMW, who said that a system using a photonic process to create white light is currently ready for production and awaiting the correct application.

A version of the technology has already bowed on the i8 Concept, thought Abdul said that the laser lighting system could arrive in dealerships before the production i8 heads to market in 2013.

The process uses Gallium Nitride to create blue light, which is then converted to white light with the help of a phosphor disc. So, why go laser? BMW claims that the system is 1,000 times brighter and 100 times smaller than traditional LED lighting while being twice as efficient. The system is said to have an average life span of around 10,000 hours.

BMW to offer laser headlights within next few years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behind i: BMW's vision for the future of mobility

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Hatchback, BMW, Electric, Luxury, Infotainment

It's not everyday that an automaker launches a new marque, let alone a disruptive vision of the future. But BMW did just that last week in Frankfurt with the unveiling of its new i sub-brand.

However, the story behind BMW i isn't limited to the i3 city car and i8 plug-in hybrid concepts. It's a new take on everything from manufacturing to infrastructure; it's about challenging preconceived ideas about how we get around in an ever-changing, ever-expanding world; and it's arguably one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by a modern automaker.

That might sound like overwrought hyperbole, and it's sure to send chills down the spines of technophobes and Luddites, but i isn't about a dystopian driverless future. In fact, BMW says it doesn't want mobile automatons. It wants drivers with an eye on what lies ahead and an open mind. And from what we've seen, i and the philosophies behind it have the potential to eliminate much of the daily drudgery behind the wheel, ushering in a new era of mobility that's at once intelligent, sustainable and engaging.

And we can't wait.

Continue reading Behind i: BMW's vision for the future of mobility

Behind i: BMW's vision for the future of mobility originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Uncovering more details on BMW's i3 and i8 [w/videos]

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Technology, Hatchback, BMW, Electric

We've just wrapped up a series of workshops in Germany about all things BMW i, but before we drop our "Behind i" feature on you next week, we wanted to give you a few tasty morsels to chew on while you're pursuing our massive gallery of the all-new i3 and i8 concepts.

If you haven't read our breakdown on both models, check it out now, as it includes the basic specs, powertrain, suspension, chassis and a cursory look at all the techy tidbits behind the i3 and i8. But here's the latest...

The i3 will tip the scales at 2,755 pounds, while the i8 will come in under 3,300 pounds. While that might sound slightly chunky, consider that the average gasoline-powered car converted to EV duty normally tacks on around 500 pounds courtesy of the battery, motor and cooling system. When looked at in this way, both models could be considered rather svelte.

The carbon fiber "Life" structure that envelops the i3's passengers is so strong (yet very light) that BMW's engineers didn't have to include a B-pillar for structural rigidity. That means ingress and egress should be easy, aided by the fact that both models utilize ultra-thin carbon fiber and plastic bits for the interior elements. Click past the jump for a whole mess of videos featuring the new i3 and i8 concepts in more detail.

According to Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Design, those oh-so-low side windows probably won't make it to production, but the design team is intent on bringing as much light into the cabin as possible - particularly on the i8. However, the i3's glass roof will make way for a full carbon fiber piece when production begins next year.

In our previous story, we mentioned that the i3 could be outfitted with an optional range extending engine, and after much poking and prodding, we got an answer on what it is and how it'll work. The engine will be rear-mounted, right against the electric motor (not compromising luggage space), and it will be a two-cylinder gasoline mill with a displacement of around 600cc. Cooling will be provided by the liquid system keeping the battery pack in check, and the i3 will be a true range-extender - no engine torque will reach the wheels mechanically (unlike the Chevrolet Volt). How much of an extension? Double, or around 186 miles.

And as for the i8, this will be the first mid-engine BMW in nearly 30 years, likely to be fitted with a dual-clutch gearbox and some kind of torque vectoring system to put out a combined 402 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels when the turbo'd 1.5-liter three-cylinder and electric motor are working in unison.

Check out a whole slew of videos from BMW after the break.

Continue reading Uncovering more details on BMW's i3 and i8 [w/videos]

Uncovering more details on BMW's i3 and i8 [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW i3 and i8 revealed [UPDATED w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Hatchback, BMW, Electric, Luxury

We've just touched down in Frankfurt to get all the details on BMW's new electric cars, but before we get into the nitty-gritty of BMW i, its philosophy and the engineering behind it, here's a brief introduction to the first two models, the i3 and i8. Officially, the two artfully greenhoused cars seen above are 'concepts,' but they're actually anything but. Click through to the jump to read all about them.

UPDATE: Added a few live images, along with the first promo vid. More to come.

Continue reading BMW i3 and i8 revealed [UPDATED w/video]

BMW i3 and i8 revealed [UPDATED w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol trailer shows glimpses of BMW i8, 6 Series

Zach Bowman — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and the BMW i8 - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's been a long time since we heard from globe-trotting international man of mystery Ethan Hunt, but it looks like he's set to take the screen again with Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. The first trailer for the latest installment of Tom Cruise's action-packed espionage adventure has hit the interwebs, and while it features a host of hand-to-hand combat, gun fights, beautiful ladies and exotic locals, it also boasts a few unique rides from the BMW stable. If you watch closely, you just might catch a glimpse of the upcoming BMW i8, and there's even a gut-wrenching scene with a BMW 6 Series convertible.

Don't say we didn't warn you.

Judging by the quick clip, we'll be sure to catch this one when it lands in theaters. We're particularly stoked to see Simon Pegg play a part in Hunt's quest to redeem his organization's name. Click past the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading First Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol trailer shows glimpses of BMW i8, 6 Series

First Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol trailer shows glimpses of BMW i8, 6 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW i8 prototype rolls on

Zach Bowman — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, BMW

BMW i8 video - Click above to watch video after the jump

A few videos of the new BMW i8 undergoing winter testing have managed to make their way to the web courtesy of YouTube. The clips surfaced after our spy photographers managed to lay eyes on the green supercar frolicking through the snow. The clips give us a good idea of what the i8 will look like in motion. We're still not completely smitten with the roof-mounted sideview mirrors, and watching the i8 drive around on the ice and snow hasn't done anything to sway our opinion. We can't help but think that the pieces look like hippopotamus ears.

It's impossible to tell whether the mule we see dashing through the snow is equipped with the same small-displacement diesel engine of the concept or whether this machine wears the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that's rumored to debut with the production version. Either way, the clips are worth a look. Hit the jump to see BMW's next flagship in action for yourself.

[Source: E90 Post]

Continue reading Video: BMW i8 prototype rolls on

Video: BMW i8 prototype rolls on originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW plans to sell 30,000 i3 models a year

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, BMW, Electric

BMW Megacity EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

When BMW launches the i3 in 2014, it reportedly hopes to move 30,000 of the electric city cars a year. That number is derived from BMW's stated target of matching the volume of its lower-production Mini models.

The i3, formerly known as the Megacity Vehicle, will launch alongside the i8 plug-in hybrid as the first offerings from BMW's new i subbrand. The i8 is based on BMW's 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The i8 will fill the sports car market segment for i.

There's no definitive word on pricing yet, but BMW sources have reportedly told AN it expects to price the i3 somewhere north of 40,000 Euro, though presumably it would be significantly cheaper if it reaches North America.

Gallery: BMW Megacity Vehicle

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: BMW plans to sell 30,000 i3 models a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW i8 spotted winter testing

Zach Bowman — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW i8 Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW doesn't seem to be too engaged in trying to hide what the company's new i8 supercar will look like when it arrives - in fact, it's been so kind as to leave the label on one of its prototypes. Our keen-eyed spy photographers managed to snap a few quick photos of the vehicle dashing through the snow in northern Sweden during a little cold-weather testing. The machine you see above will be the reigning monarch of the Bavarian automaker's new sub-brand, i, once it debuts.

Based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that starred at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the vehicle is said to pack 2+2 seating, a 0-62 mph time in the 4.8 second range and fuel economy of over 62 mpg U.S., along with a supercar price tag. Look to fork over around $200,000 when this beastie touches down.

There's been some indication that BMW will forgo the thrifty diesel engine of the concept in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline mill to work in coordination with a hybrid system. While that's bad news bears for diesel fans, the fact that BMW is gearing the platform toward gasoline means that this vehicle will more than likely show up on American shores.

Gallery: BMW i8 Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW i8 spotted winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #218: 2012 Honda Civic, BMW "i", Chevy MyLink, and GMC Granite

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #218 is here, and Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert and Zach return to talk about Chevrolet MyLink, the GMC Granite's rumored re-greenlighting, the 2012 Honda Civic and BMW's new "i" sub-brand. Questions and feedback wrap it up, and it's an hour and thirty-three minutes of fun this week. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #218: 2012 Honda Civic, BMW "i", Chevy MyLink, and GMC Granite

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Ram 1500
2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS
2011 Dodge Durango Crew AWD
2011 Audi A6

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:33:00

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Autoblog Podcast #218: 2012 Honda Civic, BMW "i", Chevy MyLink, and GMC Granite originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's new eco sub-brand to be called "i"

Chris Paukert — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Hatchback, BMW, Electric, Diesel

BMW 'i' sub-brand - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've known for some time that BMW has been hard at work developing a range of high-tech green vehicles, from the oft-mentioned MegaCity runabout to a production version of its Vision EfficientDynamics eco supercar. But up until now, we didn't know how the Bavarians intended to name these very different new models.

We do now. BMW has just announced that its new sub-brand will be called "i." The i family will house the German automaker's "sustainable vehicles and mobility solutions" when it arrives in 2013. The first two models will be the as-yet unreleased i3 and i8, otherwise known as the MegaCity and VED production cars (both are teased in the rendering above). While BMW isn't saying where the i3 will be built, it has confirmed that the smaller-volume i8 supercar will be assembled in Leipzig.

In addition, the automaker has founded BMW i Ventures, a holding company based in New York City with $100 million in backing. The company's goal is to propogate 'vehicle-independent services' - things like smart phone apps. BMW i Ventures has already started staking other businesses, including My City Way, a company whose self-titled app provides details on public transportation, parking and entertainment in more than 40 cities in the U.S.

We can't help but note that in the accompanying press release (available after the jump), there is almost no discussion of preserving BMW's reputation of being 'fun-to-drive' and a leader in dynamics. ("Sustainable vehicles and mobility solutions" certainly isn't terminology to set the enthusiast's heart alight.) That said, if the production i8 can preserve the promise of the Vision EfficientDynamics showcar, driving entertainment will almost certainly be a part of the program for that car, and hopefully the i3 will be a lightweight and nimble little thing when it hits the market.

Gallery: BMW i

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW's new eco sub-brand to be called "i"

BMW's new eco sub-brand to be called "i" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics spotted in Abu Dhabi - is it closer to production? [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Middle East, Diesel

BMW EfficientDynamics supercar in Abu Dhabi - click above to watch video after the jump

During a recent trip to Abu Dhabi, Teamspeed forum member Captain Stradale caught a glimpse of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics strutting its stuff for an on-track photo shoot. What makes us most curious, though, is the fact that this gray version of the VED is marginally different-looking than the white concept BMW has paraded around the auto show circuit over the past year (along with the white with blue swirly camo prototype they've shown).

The Vision EfficientDynamics, which is rumored to come into production under the name 'i8', is expected to be powered by a 328-horsepower three-cylinder diesel-hybrid powertrain. The ultra-lightweight production car is tipped to run from 0-100 in just 4.8 seconds, and during normal driving, the new efficient supercar is estimated to achieve 62.5 miles per gallon.

When we'll see the production version of the VED is still unclear, though sources have reported that it will show up in 2013, priced from around $200,000. We can't verify if the gray car in these Teamspeed shots is anything closer to production, but seeing this thing out on the track makes us all the more eager to experience BMW's efficient hotness for ourselves. In the meantime, check out the spy video after the jump and click on the link below to see more photos at Teamspeed. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Teamspeed]

Continue reading BMW Vision EfficientDynamics spotted in Abu Dhabi - is it closer to production? [w/video]

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics spotted in Abu Dhabi - is it closer to production? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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