Autoblog

BMW planning to slot i5 minivan into new range

Noah Joseph — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, BMW, Electric, Luxury

Imagine you're an auto exec launching a new line of cars. One's a sportscar, the other a city car - pretty much opposite extremes on the spectrum of automotive bodystyles. Do you give them alphanumeric nameplates close to one another? Of course not. You assign them disparate numbers to make room for more models to slot in between.

That's just what BMW is doing with its upcoming "i" range, with an i3 at one end and the i8 (star of the recent Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol). So what does it have planned to fit in the middle? According to Autobild out of Germany, an i5.

The third model in the range is tipped to come in as a compact MPV in a similar mold as the Toyota Prius V - only probably significantly more expensive. Underpinnings would likely be borrowed from the i3, but stretched out a bit to make extra room for people and stuff. For that matter, we wouldn't be surprised to see an i2 come in as a two-door version of the i3 with the Smart ForTwo in its sights, or an i6 or i7 electric sedan, either.

BMW planning to slot i5 minivan into new range originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this BMW 7 Series an electric i sedan mule?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, BMW, Electric

Look at the BMW i line-up. You've got the all-electric i3 on the low end and the hybrid flagship i8 on the high end. What's missing? Lots.

So when our intrepid spy shooters caught this oddly modified 7 Series with ActiveHybrid badging, the wheels of speculation began spinning.

Ignore for a second the misshapen front and rear fenders and direct your attention at the thin front wheels. The bits behind the spokes and brakes look remarkably close to hub-mounted motors, and it looks like there could be a set in the back as well.

BMW has made it clear that the i brand will spawn a number of models in the coming years and if there's any segment ripe for mass consumption, it's a sedan. So with the Tesla Model S due to arrive next year and the Fisker Karma continuing to get press, BMW needs its own EV sedan. And if it's packing a range extending engine, all the better.

Is this BMW 7 Series an electric i sedan mule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide

Jeff Sabatini — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Mitsubishi, Electric

What's the most fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the United States? Well, for 2012 it's the Mitsubishi i, at least according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

The federal agencies have issued the latest edition of their Fuel Economy Guide, and Mitsubishi's subcompact electric leads all vehicles with a combined rating of 112 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. The Nissan Leaf is second at 99 MPGe, the Ford Transit Connect Electric is third at 62, and the Chevrolet Volt ranks fourth at 60 MPGe.

Of course, they're all electric vehicles (well, in the case of the Volt, a part-time EV), which is why their mileage numbers are listed as MPGe. The highest-rated vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine continues to be the Toyota Prius, at 50 miles per gallon combined.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide

Mitsubishi i tops 2012 EPA Fuel Economy Guide originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mitsubishi i

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mitsubishi, First Drives, Electric

Light Weight, Rear-Wheel Drive And Instant Torque Bubble Up

There are two simple truths about the Mitsubishi i that should help this funky little electric car sell well in the U.S. once it goes on sale later this year. First, it looks like absolutely nothing else on the road today. Second, the car is much more fun than its jellybean shape implies.

The North American-spec i does share its look with versions on sale in Japan and Europe, but this EV is a different beast compared to those models. It's also completely different from the gas-powered kei-car sold only in Mitsubishi's home market, which was named the Japan Car of the Year by the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference in 2007. It's also completely different from the Japan or Euro-spec electric i-MiEVs (which are also slightly different from each other) that Mitsubishi has been showing off in the U.S. for the past few years. We've had a chance to drive these other models, and you can read our thoughts on the foreign i-MiEV here and here. At this point, though, it's best not to bother - this i is something new.

That's part of the idea, since the i is meant to be distinctive. Love it or hate it, Mitsubishi thinks that this is what electric car buyers want: an electric vehicle that looks like an electric vehicle, even if it comes from gas roots.

Continue reading 2012 Mitsubishi i

2012 Mitsubishi i originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:57:00 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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Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Electric

Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi is nearly ready to join North America's nascent all-electric parade. The 2012 Mitsubishi i will be available sometime early next year, and the automotive world has been speculating on the type of electron-powered economy one can expect to achieve when behind the wheel. The speculators can take a break because the EPA has finally released its ratings for the i.

How does a mile per gallon equivalent of 126 city and 99 highway sound? That's a combined MPGe rating of 112. The EPA also subjected the 2012 i to its LA4 driving test, also known as the city test. This subjects the vehicle to numerous starts and stops, as one would encounter when cruising through town. The electric four-door achieved a max cycle range of 98 miles.

From an efficiency standpoint, the 2012 Mitsubishi i stacks up nicely against its electricity-drinking competition. The Tesla Roadster 2.5 has a 119 MPGe combined rating while the Nissan Leaf sports a rating of 99 MPGe combined.

Check out our photos of the Mitsubishi i in the gallery below, and be sure to keep reading for the full press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range

Mitsubishi i rated at 112 MPGe with 62 to 98 mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW i won't be limited to EVs; diesels, hybrids, motorcycles all possible

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW, Motorcycle, Luxury

If you're still trying to work your mind around how the new BMW i brand fits with the company's ultimate driving machine mantra, Autocar may have the piece of the puzzle that you're missing. According to reports, the German automaker is currently planning to flesh out the fledgling marque with a host of alternative fuel vehicles.

Not everything under the i banner won't be sailing on all-electric power all the time. The news came courtesy of BMW marketing head honcho Ian Robertson, though he chose not to delve deeper into what other types of alternative fuel we could see from the green arm of BMW.

Autocar also stole some time with BMW R&D boss Klaus Draeger, who said the upcoming i8 won't boast the same fuel-savvy diesel engine as the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept. Instead, the production version of the vehicle will carry a small gasoline engine on board to make it more appealing in various markets (including the States, we'd imagine) all over the world.

While there aren't any specifics on exactly which engine will find its way into the new green supercar, we'd think that the new BMW turbocharged four-cylinder wouldn't be a bad guess. Also interesting are reports that BMW may extend its new i sub-brand to its motorcycle division, possibly with a range of hybrid and/or electric two- and three-wheeled scooters, motorcycles and trikes.

Gallery: BMW Clever concept

[Source: Autocar, Visordown]

Report: BMW i won't be limited to EVs; diesels, hybrids, motorcycles all possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW registers 'i' nameplate for MegaCity range

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, BMW, Electric

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

First Apple, then Intel, now BMW. We're not sure what it is about the letter 'i' (in lower case, naturally) that various marketing professionals the world over are so enamored with, but word has it that the Bavarian automaker plans to use the moniker for its fuel efficient MegaCity range of vehicles.

According to a post on the e90.com web forums, BMW has registered trademarks for i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8 and i9, making us wonder exactly what the company has in mind for its newest sub-brand. Will there be high-efficiency versions of each of the automaker's models, or is it just holding on to these designations so that others don't attempt to gobble them up?

Whatever the case, we think they missed one golden opportunity... Where's the iSetta trademark?

Gallery: BMW Megacity Vehicle

[Source: e90post.com]

BMW registers 'i' nameplate for MegaCity range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric, Quick Spins

Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're looking at a long, nearly straight, almost totally traffic-free downhill. We'd climbed up to the base of the Palm Springs to Idyllwild Ariel Tramway. Our goal was to see how fast Mitsubishi's tiny i could go. We're on the gas, and the teensy, turbocharged 660cc three-banger is giving us all its got. The speedometer ticks upwards, now cresting 100. In front of us is nothing but inviting tarmac. Deeper and harder we push and the numbers keep ticking up. 119, 120, 121 and then finally hitting 122. We felt we left a little on the table and could have probably achieved a terminal velocity of around 130. Maybe. 125 for sure.

Before you crime and punishment types climb upon your soapboxes, we should mention that the right-hand drive, JDM-only i reads out in kilometers per hour. Meaning that our top speed was almost 76 mph. And we stand by our assertion that we totally could have hit 80 mph.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i

Continue reading Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name

Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click the above image for more of the i MIEV Sport

Mitsubishi's has given its cute and funky 'i' minicar a sporty makeover with a coupe-like shape and vents on the side to create the i MIEV Sport. Despite being the sports version, it uses the same electric plug-in technology found in the i MIEV, which means two in-wheel motors driving the front wheels, and one motor for the rear. The cab-forward design does make it look like a bubble car, but having navigated Tokyo's streets for the last few days we can totally see it fitting right in.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: i spied in Canada

Justin Gardiner — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Japan, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

What you're looking at is a right-hand-drive Mitsubishi i spotted in Toronto, as in Toronto, Canada... as in on the North American continent. Mitsubishi's initial line was that the i would be for the Japan Domestic Market only. Then they exported it to Hong Kong, Singapore and Brunei. Then New Zealand. Then Britain. And Australian cities are next in the crosshairs. Wherever it has shown up, it's been a sales sensation, which is handy for Mitsubishi as sales in Japan have slumped to 1,200 cars per month from almost 8,000 per month in March 2006.

So will North America be getting its first 660cc kei car? Not a chance say sources within Mitsubishi's Tokyo HQ. Then the i spied in Toronto is almost certainly a plug-in electric i MiEV undergoing testing. Everyone will have to wait until 2009 or even 2010 to get their hands on one of those, but when they hit markets worldwide they'll have sticker prices under 2million Yen - that's about $17,500 today.

Well spotted Allan!

Spy Shots: i spied in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK

John Neff — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Mitsubishi

click above image to view high-resolution gallery of the Mitsubishi i

Beginning on July 1st, Brits will be able to purchase the iconic i kei car from Mitsubishi. The i is a big hit in Japan, having won numerous awards for its futuristic styling and clever engineering while racking up big sales in the home market. Mitsubishi has spent the last year shopping the i around Great Britain at the Badminton Horse Trials, the British Motor Show and some select Mitsubishi dealerships, and the response from the public was positive enough to convince management to sell the car on the Queen's isle. It will be available only in one configuration powered by the JDM spec 660cc turbo three-cylinder engine producing an economical though not entirely thrilling 64bhp. Initially, however, only 300 units will be made available for sale at the price of £8,999 ($17,577 USD).

With the success of the MINI Cooper and the impending arrival of the smart fortwo in the U.S., we wonder if there are talks within Mitsubishi to bring the i to the U.S. They'll no doubt be watching sales of the fortwo closely. Check out the official press release after the jump and a high-resolution gallery of the Mitsubishi i.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi releases jeans-themed "i" Kurashiki Edition

Alex Nunez — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

Click to enlarge

The Japanese automakers are the kings when it comes to putting together special limited-edition, limited-availability models for their home market. More often than not, these editions feature little more than a special interior color, accessory pack, and badging. The limited availability adds exclusivity, which begets desirability, and the editions sell.

Mitsubishi's latest is a 100-unit limited edition of its "i" kei car. Dubbed the "i Kurashiki," it will only be sold out of Okayama Mitsubishi in the Okayama prefecture. Okayama, you see, is home to the city of Kurashiki, which is responsible for the bulk of Japan's domestic blue jeans production.

What makes this version of the "i" special? The seat cloth is printed with a special jeans pattern (but not upholstered in actual denim), and it sports a model-specific badge on its rump (shown after the jump). Other than that, it's an "i" in S trim. Four exterior colors are available, and it costs ¥1,099,000.

This is the strangest JDM special we've seen in a while.

(Exterior, badge shots shown after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi releases jeans-themed "i" Kurashiki Edition

Mitsubishi releases jeans-themed "i" Kurashiki Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i named RJC Car of the Year

Alex Nunez — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

The Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) has named the loveable little Mitsubishi "i" its 2007 Car of the Year. The quirky and compelling "i" kei car has been quite a sensation, with its unique appearance and rear-midship engine layout, garnering plenty of attention in Japan from journalists and the general public. Mitsubishi, obviously aware of the hit it has on its hands, has kept interest in the "i" at high levels through clever marketing stunts like the one-off Hello Kitty edition and by giving it a prominent role in the company's research on future electric vehicle technology.

The RJC Car of the Year award is not the first accolade the "i" has won this year. Last month, it was awarded the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization's Good Design Grand Prize -- a first for a kei car.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi i named RJC Car of the Year

Mitsubishi i named RJC Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi i by DAMD

Alex Nunez — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Mitsubishi

DAMD, the tuners who have recently shown a penchant for Aston Martinizing Nissan products, have turned their attention to what is perhaps Japan's quirkiest kei car, the Mitsubishi i. The newest member of DAMD's enormous lineup, this particular i looks like it'd be right at home seeing duty as Darth Vader's runabout if he were forced to ditch his SS for more economical fare.

The diminutive Mitsubishi is drenched in black paint, and benefits from the installation of new side skirts and spoilers front and rear. The parts are available seperately or as a 3-piece set (the two side skirts count as one "piece"). A billet insert spruces up the car's grille opening, and an extra panel dresses up flat black plastic area immediately below the windshield where the wipers live. Finally, 15" black DAMD DS-6 wheels ( the "6" indicates the number of spokes) complete the visual refresh.

It looks great, and it gives us just another reason to be bummed at the fact that Mitsubishi's slick little kei is for Japanese fans only. If there's a market for the Smart here, there's got to be a way to make a business case for something like the i.

Related Items:

(Additional photos after the jump)

[Source: DAMD (translated) via Nihon Car]

Continue reading Mitsubishi i by DAMD

Mitsubishi i by DAMD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi looks ahead with an electric i

Alex Nunez — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Technology, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is going to take good look at the viability of all-electric motoring, this after announcing its plan to sell an all-electric vehicle in the Japan and U.S. in the near future. It has just introduced a new research platform, the i MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle), a four-passenger EV based on the company's podlike i kei car.

The i MieV will make its public debut later this month at a Japanese alternative vehicle conference. After that, two Japanese power companies will be provided with i MiEVs for internal research on how to integrate EVs into their business plans, including the development and deployment of a rapid-charge infrastructure. In January, Mitsubishi will bring in two additional power companies and commence fleet testing with all four to gauge whether or not an EV is a commercially viable proposition for all parties.

The i MiEV electric motor is mounted in the standard engine's rear-midship location and generates 47kW (63 hp) peak power. The car has an operating range of approximately 80 to 100 miles with a top speed of 80 mph and is actually much torquier than its conventionally-powered counterpart, generating 130 lb-ft to the standard i's 69.

(Press release, diagram, specs after the jump)

[Sources: Mitsubishi, LA Times]

Continue reading Mitsubishi looks ahead with an electric i

Mitsubishi looks ahead with an electric i originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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