BREAKING: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Unveiled

After all the spy shots and teasers, BMW has finally released the details of the new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics ahead of its scheduled debut; the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW says that the high-performance concept study, with their ActiveHybrid technology, showcases “future demands in sustained mobility” and is “a symbol for the future of Sheer Driving Pleasure in harmony with trend-setting efficiency.” The automaker says that the aim of the Vision EfficientDynamics, is to realize “the performance of a BMW M Car and a highly emotional character combined with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class.”

Power for the full-hybrid 2+2 seater BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, comes from a 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and two electric motors. The 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine features the latest generation of common-rail direct injection technology, producing a total of 163 horses with a peak torque of 214 lb-ft, and transferring power to wheels, via a double-clutch 6-speed transmission.

“Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid strategy, BMW’s development engineers followed the principle of “Best of Hybrid”, choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear,” BMW said. In English that means that there is one-electric motor positioned between the combustion engine and the double-clutch gearbox. It produces 25 kW (33-hp) and is able to reach a peak of up to 38 kW (51-hp) with a maximum torque of 214 lb-ft. The second electric-motor, which powers the front axle, offers a continuous output of 60 kW (80-hp), and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 84 kW (112-hp) is available for a period of up to 30 seconds; the electric motor is even capable of delivering 104 kW (139-hp) for 10 seconds. All of this is transmitted through a two-stage, single-speed reduced-ratio gearbox.

With everything working in sync, the total system output comes in at 356-hp, with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. But all that power is used only when you need it; when overtaking, for example. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph and fuel-economy is estimated at 63 mpg.

Overall, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells. When connected to a regular 220v outlet, the Vision EfficientDynamics requires 2 ½ hours to fully charge. A full-charge allows the car to cover a distance of approximately 31 miles when running on electric-mode alone.

So will we ever see a production model? Not for now. BMW says that the “Vision EfficientDynamics offers a realistic impression of the unique potential of BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology and the great innovative thrust of BMW EfficientDynamics.”

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept:

Press Release:

THE BMW VISION EFFICIENTDYNAMICS CONCEPT

The latest BMW Concept Car for the EfficientDynamics philosophy.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, 29 August 2009, 6pm Eastern… For decades, BMW has made the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption a key part of its product development strategy, just as enhancements to the dynamic ability of each BMW have been a lasting, sustained brand value. BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy - the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle - resulted in the most dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker from 1990 through 2005, according to an Environmental Defense study.

Now, the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a “clean-sheet” development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.

Through this unique balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car clearly demonstrates the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, which makes its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production models.

The power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.

In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for the first time conveys the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.

Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output.

Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive.

Lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.

Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.

Performance, fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.

Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW’s Motorsport experience.

Overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.

Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.

Interior: innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver.

Innovative light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.

Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats.

Clear focus on the essential: 3-dimensional Head-Up Display.

Forward-looking energy management adjusting to individual requirements.

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