Autoblog

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'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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Report: BMW's next supercar coming in 2013 for $200,000

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is set to change the way we think about supercars with its Vision EfficientDynamics concept. This swoopy economical machine is estimated to produce around 328 horsepower from its three-cylinder diesel hybrid powertrain, and fuel economy is claimed to be a lofty 62.5 miles per gallon.

While speaking to Inside Line recently, the automaker's sales and marketing director, Ian Robertson, announced that the car will cost roughly €150,000, or about $200,000 USD when it goes on sale. That's indeed a pretty penny, but it's put into perspective when you consider that Mercedes-Benz's upcoming efficient supercar, the SLS E-Cell, is rumored to cost around $250,000.

No official timeframe has been given as to when we'll see the debut of the production-ready EfficientDynamics supercar, but Inside Line states that BMW is sponsoring the 2012 London Olympics, so we should look for the car to debut at that time. It's indeed a vast change from the eight-, ten- and twelve-cylinder hotties that currently make up the supercar segment, but with the changing times putting a larger emphasis on efficiency, BMW's end result should still be pretty sweet.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Prototype

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: BMW's next supercar coming in 2013 for $200,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure, BMW is going to build a small, urban electric car - the Megacity - in a few years, but we're pretty sure there are a lot of Bimmer drivers who won't much care for that little thing, no matter what the powertrain. For them, BMW has announced a second treat today: the Vision Efficient Dynamics (VED) concept will indeed make the jump to production form.

We first saw the VED a little over a year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 and BMW says the concept was met with an "overwhelming response." Little surprise, then, that BMW was interested in building this for the people - well, people who can afford the $200,000, give or take, the car will likely cost when it come to market in a few years. Since the VED contained a fair bit of "completely or virtually production-ready components," BMW is confidently giving out media test drives at the Leipzig trade fair center of a road-ready technology showcase vehicle based on the VED.

Final production numbers won't be known for a while, but the prototype features wing doors and a 2+2 seating arrangement. Underhood, a three-cylinder turbo diesel engine "with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle" put out a total of 241 kW/328 bhp and hits 0-100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just 4.8 seconds. The sleek car can do this while burning just 3.76 litters of fuel per 100 kilometers (a Toyota Prius-beating 62.5 miles per gallon U.S.) and emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The production VED will also be a plug-in, with the ability to go 50 km (31 miles) on lithium-polymer battery power. Hit the jump for the full details in BMW's press release, as well as a video of the Efficient Dynamics prototype.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Prototype

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video]

Officially Official: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics approved for production

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:27:00 EST

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

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the folks who follow all things BMW, the automaker's Vision Efficient Dynamics (VED) concept has been given the greenlight and a few details on the green machine have come along for the ride.

The VED's will reportedly carry either the i1 or i100 name, and that moniker will be placed on a chassis made of carbon fiber and powered first by either by a gas hybrid or fully electric motor. About a month ago it was rumored the coupe would first be available with the drivetrain from the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept, which itself was derived from the ActiveHybrid 7 Series. That option would be good for 300 horsepower thanks to a TwinPower turbo paired with a 40 kW electric motor and running through an eight-speed transmission.

The ultimate hybrid variant, however, would be a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder motor with 181 horsepower, paired to two electric motors each putting out 93 ponies. Output would be channled through a double-clutch transmission, and while the hybrid is supposed to be all-wheel drive, a rear-wheel drive model is supposedly planned as well - perhaps the sole electric version.

All that juice in a carbon fiber body shouldn't disappoint, and predicted numbers are a 0-to-62 mph run of four seconds, 58 miles per gallon, yet a lower-than-expected 250-mile range. The price for all that green when it appears in 2013: from €125,000 to €175,000 ($174,145 to $243,817 U.S. at today's rates). Which is why we suppose it makes (rumored) sense that BMW would only plan on building "30,000 units within five years."

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: e90 Post]

Report: BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics approved for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW developing M8 hybrid sports car

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't the first time we've heard rumblings about the possibility of BMW producing a hybrid sports car based on its Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Now, though, the German magazine Autozeitung report that the new sports car could potentially be named M8, and more importantly, that the plug-in hybrid motor from the concept will be ditched in favor of something sweeter.

Instead of a wholly electric motor, these new rumors suggest that the production M8 will use a version of the E60 M5's 5.0-liter V10, but with two electric motors added on for good measure. These two electric mills will be mounted at the front and rear, similar to the layout seen in the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, and should produce around 150 horsepower, combined. Add the V10 to those whirring motors and we expect total output to be somewhere between 600-700 hp. If this is the future of hybrid sports cars, we're okay with it.

The magazine also reports that the M8 will be about five inches longer than the original Vision concept, and that a two-plus-two seating configuration will be offered inside. If the project remains on track, expect to see BMW's hybrid supercar debut at some point in 2012.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: Autozeitung via TeamSpeed, BMWblog]

Rumormill: BMW developing M8 hybrid sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s)

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

BMW 1 Series Tii Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has the mid-engined R8 (now available with a 525-horsepower V10). Mercedes-Benz now has the AMG SLS (with more power than the R8 - 563 horses). BMW has... a 500-horsepower V10 in a 4,000 pounds M6. Not exactly competitive in the supercar department these days. Well, according to everyone's favorite British Buff Book (EVO), BMW will be releasing a new supercar. Probably something resembling a mashup between the M1 Homage Concept and the Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept. However, it might not be called M1. Or, it might be.

Here's the thing - BMW is also believed to be working on a buffed out, super version of the 135i (based on the Tii Concept) that semi-logically could be called the M1. Check out the supposed stats on this little puppy: a reworked twin-turbo 3.0-liter motor good for 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, a 150 pound weight reduction, seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, the M3's suspension and torque-vectoring rear end. Where do we sign up?

The issue is that some people within BMW feel the semi-sacred M1 moniker should be reserved only for a car that replaces the 1978 M1, the first car BMW's Motorsports Division ever made (even if Lamborghini played a roll). They do have a point, as among us gearhead types the M1 is a pretty reverential piece of machinery. However, what would you call an M-caliber 1 Series?

Autoblog's advice is this: nothing's sacred. Call the hopped-up 135i the M1. No one cares except for a few old timers within BMW and a few fanatics on the outside. Besides, the aforementioned old timers have sat idly by as the fabled M Division has arguably diluted its once lofty rep by releasing the X5 M and X6 M. It's all water (and money) under the bridge anyhow. And by freeing themselves from this false dilemma (because really, who cares?), BMW is free to name the new supercar the M8.

Failing that, just name the mighty 1 Series the Tii (confusing almost everyone) and reserve M1 for a proper supercar. We don't really mind, as long as both cars go on sale. And no matter the name, it sounds like the range-topping 1 Series should see the light of day in 2011 and the new supercar - which will pair BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors - should come online around 2012. Color us excited.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: EVO]

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Will the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month spawn a production eco-friendly supercar from the German automaker? According to Auto Express, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.

Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain similar to the one shown off in Frankfurt. A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.

Other unique bits that were introduced on the Vision Concept that could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells AE that the car's hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) and aluminum-intensive chassis are all "ready for the road."

If there's any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market with a price well north of $100,000. We'll see.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's coupe concept rendered, but is it coming to Frankfurt?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

BMW Vision Concept by Jon Sibal - Click above for a larger image

Photoshop savant Jon Sibal has worked his rendering wizardry on one of the BMW spy shots we saw earlier this week, but according to the automaker, the cloaked concept isn't bound for a Frankfurt Motor Show debut.

Citing a source within BMW, iMotorMag is reporting that the vehicle in question is a five-year-old design study that was being moved from the automaker's studio in Germany to a storage facility. Although BMW still plans to unveil the Vision EfficientDynamics concept next month in Frankfurt, this reportedly isn't it (anyone else smell damage control?). However, that little detail doesn't detract from Sibal's efforts.

Taking a few cues from the BMW M1 Homage concept, particularly the sculpted and creased front clip, Sibal's rendering does its best to interpret the coupe's lines through the tight cover. Although we think the twin-kidney grille probably descends further down the fascia, we're digging the reinterpreted Hoffmeister Kink that's been warped and indented to match the sharp lines of the concept. We'll know if Sibal's rendering was spot-on next month or if BMW has a new trick up its sleeve when the wraps come off BMW's next-generation coupe concept in Germany.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 2009 Frankfurt concept

[Sources: Jon Sibal, iMotorMag]

BMW's coupe concept rendered, but is it coming to Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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