BMW’s Head of Interior Design, Marc Girard gave us an exclusive demo of the innovative fabric that with a swipe of your fingers transfers the information displayed on the LCD screen built into the passenger’s dashboard onto the driver’s 3D Head-Up Display.

New Scientist magazine now reports that researchers at the Polytechnic School in Montreal, Canada, have developed a soft polymer-based fiber with electrical properties that can be woven into fabric. Creating a durable fabric that can control a range of functions and differentiate tactile motions is a breakthrough technology developed by professor Maksim Skorobogatiy and his team of researchers at the university.

The magazine says that BMW has plans to install the touch-sensitive smart fabric in future models, along with General Motors and aircraft-manufacturer Bombardier.

Our own sources say that within five years, future high-end BMWs will include this new technology and will create the fist real synergy between the car and its passengers.

Throughout the field trial, car- and driver-generated data and anecdotal feedback from the Electronauts will be collected by BMW to deepen its knowledge about the everyday use of EVs and to provide actionable insights into electric mobility in urban environments. Once the field trial commences, information collected from the Electronauts will be made available for all EV enthusiasts and media at www.BMWActivateTheFuture.com.

In addition, the learnings from the field trial will provide direct insight into electric mobility in advance of series production of BMW’s first purpose-built, mass-produced electric vehicles, the BMW i3 in 2013 and the i8 in 2014. Concepts of the i3 and i8, the first two vehicles from the new BMW i brand, made their official North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16 and 17, 2011.

Born Electric. Born of project i.
The introduction of the BMW ActiveE is the newest product to be born from BMW’s project i. Project i is BMW Group’s visionary, all-embracing approach to redefining the understanding of personal mobility through purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services.

It is anticipated that by 2025 the planet will be populated by 8 billion people with over half of that population living in urban metropolitan areas. The data generated from the BMW ActiveE Field Trial will not only provide BMW with the insights necessary to intelligently develop innovative and sustainable mobility solutions tailored for the growing urban population, but also to deliver even more efficient and higher performing electric vehicles worthy of the BMW moniker.

The Recruitment Process.
After filling out the reservation form on www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE, prospective lessees. will complete a charging station consultation with BMW partner AeroVironment. The purpose of the consultation is to ensure that prospective Electronaut’s homes are capable of supporting an AeroVironment charging station and participants fully understand all aspects of maintaining and charging an electric vehicle before signing a lease. Once the consultation is completed, the prospect’s information will be forwarded to their selected BMW ActiveE center to finish the lease process.

For more details on the recruitment process please visit www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE.

[Source: BMW ]

“Calling the Moloughneys Pioneers is very appropriate because they have shown the world that an electric vehicle can absolutely serve one’s daily driving needs without compromise,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America. “We learned a lot from all of our experience with the MINI E and we are looking forward to learning more in these next two years with the BMW ActiveE as we prepare for the launch of the first BMW i models in 2013. We are pleased that Tom and Meredith have agreed to stay with us on this journey.”

The BMW Group’s electromobility development strategy began with the MINI E Field Trial in the summer of 2009. When the MINI E trial program began, one of the main open questions was, could a private individual live with an electric vehicle on a daily basis without changing their driving habits? The MINI E pioneers proved without a doubt that not only could it be done, but that doing so required no change in their daily routine, with the exception of plugging-in instead of stopping at the gas station. No one has proven the viability of an EV as daily transportation more conclusively than the Moloughneys, who logged over 72,500 miles in MINI E # 250 in just two-and-a-half years. That is as much driving as the typical American driver does in five years and they did it without burning so much as an ounce of gasoline.

The Moloughneys today became the first of what will be 700 BMW Electronaut households who will lease a BMW ActiveE for a two year period. Deliveries will continue over the next several weeks. As the MINI E provided valuable insight into life with an EV, the BMW ActiveE lease period will again be used to gather feedback that will be part of the development of the BMW i3 which will come to market in 2013.

The ActiveE is the only car that is 100% Electric and 100% BMW, providing the performance and efficiency everyone has come to expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine®. With output of 170 hp and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft from a standstill, The BMW ActiveE accelerates from 0–60 mph in under nine seconds. Newly developed lithium-ion batteries facilitate a driving range of up to 100 miles on a full charge.

The BMW ActiveE will be available for lease in the metropolitan markets of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Boston and Hartford for $499 per month for 24 months with a down payment $2,250. Anyone in those markets interested in leasing one of the 700 BMW ActiveEs coming to the US should visit www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE.

project i – research and development of tomorrow’s mobility.
The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The next step will be the BMW i3 due to launch in 2013. It will be designed to meet the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the BMW i3 are being tested in the BMW ActiveE.

Ongoing field tests involving more than 600 MINI E cars, including 450 in the US, have already provided vital knowledge about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Beginning with year in the US, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1100 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at BMW’s Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. The findings will serve to deepen the knowledge already gained on the everyday use of electric vehicles and to learn more about customer requirements. The feedback from customers testing the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be fed directly into series production of the BMW i3, which will be launched in 2013.

The entry-level model 640i is powered by a 3.0 liter six-cylinder TwinPower rated at 225 kW/315 hp at 5,800 to 6,00 and high peak torque of 330 lb-ft, on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Highest offering, 650i Gran Coupe uses an upgraded 4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63Tu) that adds BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve timing with 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and peak torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lbs-ft increase).

From launch time, the 6 Series Gran Coupe will be available with the M Sport Package.

In Germany, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will start at 79,500 euros for German customers. The entry level, BMW 640i GC is priced about 4,800 euros more than the identically powered 6er Coupe. Next on the pricing scale is the BMW 640 Gran Coupe which will sell for 83,000 euros, while the high-end 650i GC goes for 92,600 euros.

The xDrive version of the 650i adds another 3,400 euros to a total price of 96,000 euros.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale in 2012 and will be initially equipped with the 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged engine. The equipment level and options are very similar to the recently released 6 Series Coupe.

Graduating from a concept level, the new 6er Gran Coupe is a four-dour coupe that uses the same ‘backbone’ platform that underpins the current 5-series, 7-series and 5 GT. The car will offer the same mix of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as those cars, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW Gran Coupe is labeled as a 4-door coupe type of vehicle with a distinctive sporty character. The Gran Coupe has been designed to combine the abilities of a GT and a sports car. The roof is 100mm lower than the 7 Series models, and its rear quarters slightly more restricted.

The wheelbase measures 116.8 inch and sits on a 74.9 inch wide track. To increase its sportiness, BMW engineers lowered the car by 3.5 inches when compared to the 5 Series sedan (54 inches). At 197.1 inches overall, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is 2 inches longer than a Mercedes CLS-Class.

The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future and the expectations are that these styling cues will turn up all over BMW range in the next few years. The sleek Gran Coupe retain iconic elements like the kidney-grille, Hofmeister kink and a less pronounced shark nose.

To keep weight off, the four-door uses aluminum for the front hood and doors, thermoplastics for the front fenders, and SMC plastic for the trunk lid. As with other top-line BMWs, a full suite of telematics and driver assistance systems are on the menu.

Stay tuned for more exclusive news!

ActiveE represents BMW’s last step before the new “i” sub-brand will launch in 2013. Several key technologies tested during the ActiveE trials will make their way into the first Megacity car, the i3.

Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body shell of a vehicle with a combustion engine. The BMW ActiveE integrates all electric drive components such as energy storage unit, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without compromising on space or comfort in the interior.

With the newly developed lithium-ion battery unit, the driving range of ActiveE is approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a full charge.

But how is the driving experience? Let’s have a look.

“You turn it on by pressing a traditional engine start button. Then you select Drive using the familiar gear lever and pull away. There’s a discreet whine from the transmission and the sensation of forward momentum, but that’s about it. This car is exceptionally refined.

BMW reckons it’s good for zero to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds, which may not make the ActiveE the ultimate driving machine, but it does at least imbue it with enough pace for the typical urban joust. Nor was it disgraced on the Munich highway on our test route. Top speed is limited to 90 mph to protect the range of the batteries, but it’s happy to cruise at 70-80 mph with a minimum of fuss. Were it not for the absence of engine noise and the need to change gear, you’d be hard-pressed to tell it apart from the European 120i. This power plant in a 1,200-pound-lighter i3 should be genuinely entertaining.

Almost Like a Real Car
The suspension is the familiar blend of MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink rear. It’s been retuned and the ride height has been raised by 0.4 inch to accommodate the mass of the low-lying battery packs. BMW claims it’s been able to retain its fabled 50:50 weight distribution.

Anyone who’s driven the Mini E will remember the startling affects of its regenerative braking. Lifting off the throttle created such vigorous retardation that BMW programmed the brake lights to warn those behind. In the ActiveE, the influence is marginally less aggressive but it still takes a degree of acclimatization. This car will come to an abrupt stop even if you ignore the brakes. It’s a bit like driving a high-downforce racecar.

At higher speeds you do notice the extra mass. The ActiveE isn’t the last word in agility, but that’s not to dismiss it as a bad drive. The steering is nicely weighted, body roll is well contained and if anything, the ride is an improvement over the regular 1 Series. The Bridgestone Turanza ER300 tires — measuring 205/55 R16 — also offer plenty of grip, despite being tuned for low rolling resistance.”

Full article at InsideLine

The new BMW ActiveE production-ready electric vehicle made its official US debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 1 Series Coupe electric conversion joins the MINI E as the second BMW Group electric vehicle to hit the roads.

Similar to the MINI E, ActiveE field trial begins first in the United States when later this fall, selected consumers will have the opportunity to take over a 24-months lease offered by BMWNA at a monthly price of $499 with a down payment of $2,250.

ActiveE represents BMW’s last step before the new “i” sub-brand will launch in 2013. Several key technologies tested during the ActiveE trials will make their way into the first Megacity car, the i3.

Being considered a preview and a test bed for the 2013 i3, the ActiveE incorporates a pilot series version of the drive train and energy storage unit from the Megacity project with a partly identical, partly similar geometry in a vehicle from a different concept so that these components may undergo preliminary testing.

Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body shell of a vehicle with a combustion engine. The BMW ActiveE integrates all electric drive components such as energy storage unit, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without compromising on space or comfort in the interior.

With the newly developed lithium-ion battery unit, the driving range of ActiveE is approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a full charge.

Design wise, the BMW ActiveE resembles almost identically the regular 1 Series Coupe. The Alpine White body features silver “circuit-inspired” graphics on a blue background. A power dome in the hood accommodates the battery pack. Because there are no exhaust pipes, the rear diffuser is replaced by a closed rear apron. Low-rolling-resistance tires are wrapped around 16″ wheels.

[Source: BMW via Autoblog ]

High performance with fewer emissions is the name of the game: One of the BMW vehicles provided for Tom Cruise´s next film is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. It has been recognized as having the most sophisticated technology and the most striking design among the current concept electric supercars. In a few years the BMW i8, which was inspired by the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept vehicle, will enter series production.

“We are thrilled to be involved again in another Hollywood Blockbuster,” said Ian Robertson, BMW AG Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “The BMW Group leads the way in developing future mobility with a focus on sustainability. One great example is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car which will be presented in the film. With its futuristic design and large glass surfaces, the car offers a fascinating perspective on the future of sheer driving pleasure – in combination with maximum efficiency. Also with BMW ConnectedDrive technology, it is the perfect car for Ethan Hunt to outsmart his pursuers through narrow streets and busy city traffic.”

Having provided vehicles for outstanding film projects, TV productions, etc. for more than 75 years, entertainment marketing is firmly established as an important building block for the BMW Group’s long-term image and product communications.

“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”, directed by Brad Bird, is scheduled for release mid of December 2011.

For more information please see www.bmw.com/mission

6 Series Gran Coupe uses the same ‘backbone’ platform that underpins the current 5-series, 7-series and 5 GT. The car will offer the same mix of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as those cars, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW Gran Coupe is labeled as a 4-door coupe type of vehicle with a distinctive sporty character. The Gran Coupe has been designed to combine the abilities of a GT and a sports car. The roof is 100mm lower than the 7 Series models, and its rear quarters slightly more restricted. The concept carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future and the expectations are that these styling cues will turn up all over BMW range in the next few years. The sleek Gran Coupe retain iconic elements like the kidney-grille, Hofmeister kink and a less pronounced shark nose.

The demographic target for this vehicles is well defined already by some of BMW’s competitors: four-door coupe buyers looking for an elegant, sort of extravagant design, luxurious interior and driving performance. Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 fall under this segment as well.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will make its official debut in 2012.

[Source: Carscoop ]

The 328 Hommage, tribute paid to one of the most successful cars of the 1930s, showcases some of the technology and materials that we will see in future production vehicles. The two-seater roadster follows the steps of the previously unveiled Vision concepts: Vision EfficientDynamics and Vision ConnectedDrive.

Labeled as another emotional roadster, the proportions and cues follow the design language of the Vision family, another layering approach, both on the inside and outside.

For a detailed analysis of the 328 Hommage design, click through.

With the new 328 Hommage, BMW also showcases some of the technology and materials that we will see in future production vehicles. The major parts of the exterior and interior of the BMW 328 Hommage are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a lightweight material that was used in the series production of CFRP roofs and structural components for the BMW M6 as well as CFRP roofs for the BMW M3.

The two-seater roadster follows the steps of the previously unveiled Vision concepts: Vision EfficientDynamics and Vision ConnectedDrive. Labeled as another emotional roadster, the proportions and cues follow the design language of the Vision family, another layering approach, both on the inside and outside. At the front, BMW designers chose a combination of classic and futuristic design cues, with a very wide and road-focused approach. The three-dimensional front-end leads with a long CFRP bonnet that offers an impressive road stance. The round headlights emphasize the car and driver’s focus on the road and are surrounded by large air intakes that create visual lightness.

The kidney grille describes the classic and slim look of the original kidney design on the 328. The kidney grille bars are more prominently curved than the kidney grille surround itself.

At the rear-end is where the Vision design cues stand out even more. The L-shaped taillights have been designed with the layering language that creates a visual lightness, along with physical lightness. The large vents and openings emphasize the light appearance even more, with circular tailpipes located inside the two air outlets.
The concise lines flow over the taut surfaces of the vehicle’s bodywork resulting in a play of light and shadow. As seen on the Vision ConnectedDrive, the flat trunk gives the car a wide and sporty look with a direct visual line going through the windscreen.

Inside, a similar design language has been applied, a combination of classic, modern and futuristic, in a single vehicle. Layering is also applied here and along with the CFRP interior structure, it gives the 328 Hommage a visual and physical lightness. Due to its exceptional characteristics, CFRP is in itself robust and can be shaped into self-supporting structures. Hence, only two large layers define the interior of the BMW 328 Hommage.

Remaining truthful to its DNA, BMW maintains the driver-orientation design separating the driver and co-driver areas from each other. The interior combines brown leather with aluminum and carbon fiber trim in a beautiful, harmonious way. The instruments featured in the BMW 328 Hommage are both sporty and functional to an equal extent. Like the cockpit of the BMW 328 and typical of a sports car, the instrument cluster indicates in addition to engine speed only the oil temperature, oil pressure and water temperature. To the right of the rev counter, control lamps and a gearshift point indicator complete the instrument cluster.

Viewed from above, a slightly asymmetrical design of the bonnet and windscreen underscores the driver-orientated construction of the BMW 328 Hommage.

ConnectedDrive technologies introduced with the Vision concept are also present in the 328 Hommage, starting with the trim made out of a soft cloth that underneath features a touch sensitive metal. With a swipe of the co-driver’s fingers, the information displayed on the LCD screen built into the passenger’s dashboard gets transferred onto the driver’s display.

The instrument panel of the BMW 328 Hommage is a fitted with two iPhones located in special holders and which assume additional display functions for the driver and co-driver. The iPhones function as stopwatches for measuring lap times and secondly as GPS roadbooks.

The layering design language began in 2009 when the future BMW i8 was introduced, and followed this year by the Vision ConnectedDrive, a roadster that in our opinion will lead to the introduction of BMW Z2, a smaller 2-seater roadster that will showcase some of these design cues and technologies.

Similar to the MINI E, ActiveE field trial begins first in the United States when later this fall, selected consumers will have the opportunity to take over a 24-months lease offered by BMWNA at a monthly price of $499 with a down payment of $2,250.

ActiveE represents BMW’s last step before the new “i” sub-brand will launch in 2013. Several key technologies tested during the ActiveE trials will make their way into the first Megacity car, the i3.

To create an open dialogue between potential buyers, fans of the brands and the company, BMW hosted another episode of their BMW Conversations series. From the NYC auto show floor, Tom Plucinsky, Manager BMWNA Communications, and Rich Steinberg, Manager, Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy at BMWNA, took the time to address some of the questions posed by the online readers.

What makes this electric car unique? Is it right for me? How does it charge? How fast can it go? These and more in the video below.

The popular franchise returns this year with episode number 4 and shooting already began last year in Dubai and the UK.

According to our sources, “Mission Impossible: The Ghost Protocol” will include some car-chase actions that will feature the new 6er, along with other BMWmodels. Today, we find out what other BMW will be featured in the Blockbuster flick and that is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

In December 2010, another VED prototype was spotted in Abu Dhabi and now it makes us wonder if it is related to the upcoming movie or was it simply a photoshoot commercial for BMW.

This time, the film set moves to Mumbai, India where the future BMW i8 vehicle makes another appearance. The VED was accompanied by a 2011 BMW 6 Series during a scene.

The folks at Team-Bhp describe the scene for us:

Last night a scene from Mission Impossible 4 was shot at Prabhadevi. It included the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, a BMW 650ci (2nd Gen) and a BMW 5 series whose front and rear bumpers were removed to mount cameras. I was present at the shoot with fellow T-BHPian dhrishikesh. A traffic jam was simulated on Appasaheb Marathe Marg using second-hand cars from Mahindra First Choice Wheels. There were approximately 50-60 bouncers all over the venue to ensure that photographs weren’t taken with nearly 10 of them guarding the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. I tried to take a close up shot of the 5 series camera car, but a bouncer snatched my camera away with a stern warning that next time, my camera will be impounded. After the shoot started, we positioned ourselves on the foot-over bridge from where we could get clear shots and avoid the bouncers as well. I have pics of both the cars, except the 5 series camera car.

[Source: Team BHP via Autoblog ]

ActiveE field trials start this fall in New York Metro, Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Boston. Seven hundred BMW ActiveE vehicles will be offered through a 24-month lease for $499 per month with a down payment of $2,250. The reservation process will begin in late summer 2011.

Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the BMW ActiveE will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under nine seconds, making it the first electric vehicle to combine the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW with the zero-emissions benefits of driving an electric vehicle. It will incorporate specially-designed lithium ion batteries which are being used for the first time and that allow for a range of around 100 miles in everyday driving.

The exterior design of the BMW ActiveE is differentiated from the regular 1 Series Coupe by the power dome in the hood which provides space for the batteries located under it.

At the press conference hosted by BMW Manhattan, Rich Steinberg, manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy, BMW NA said “BMW ActiveE is part of our ongoing strategy to develop environmentally friendly, yet high-performance vehicles. It brings us another step closer to the realization of the BMW i3, which we will launch in 2013.”

Some of the technology featured in the ActiveE will be used in the upcoming electric vehicles developed under the new BMW i sub-brand.

BMW ActiveE uses a powerful electric synchronous motor. Maximum power output of the electric drive system is 170 horsepower while maximum torque of 184 lb-ft is available from a standstill, as is typical of electric vehicles and it remains available across an exceptionally broad load range. Top speed is electronically limited at around 90 mph.

BMWBLOG attended the press launch on Monday and captured exclusively some new photos of the BMW ActiveE.

Lots of us have many unanswered questions, so BMW of North America gives us a chance to connect with their EV experts.

Questions will be answered by live by the ActiveE experts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BMWUSA ) during the next BMW Conversations: BMW ActiveE, this Wednesday at 5:30 PM EST/2:30 PM PST.

Please leave your questions in the comments form below.

Based on the 1 Series Coupe, the BMW ActiveE will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under nine seconds, making it the first electric vehicle to combine the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW with the zero-emissions benefits of driving an electric vehicle.  It will incorporate specially-designed lithium ion batteries which are being used for the first time and that allow for a range of around 100 miles in everyday driving.

The batteries will feature liquid heating and cooling, as well as the ability to pre-condition the system while connected to the grid enabling maximum range capability regardless of ambient conditions.

Seven hundred BMW ActiveE vehicles will be coming to the U.S. beginning this fall in metropolitan New York and other select US metropolitan markets. A 24-month lease will be offered for $499 per month with a down payment of $2,250. The reservation process will begin in late summer 2011.

“The BMW ActiveE is part of our ongoing strategy to develop environmentally friendly, yet high-performance vehicles,” said Rich Steinberg, manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy, BMW NA. “It brings us another step closer to the realization of the BMW i3, which we will launch in 2013.”

In order to help consumers determine if an ActiveE is right for them, the new app, BMW Evolve is now available for download from the Apple iTunes Store and later this month in the Android Marketplace. It was developed with the input of our MINI E drivers and will help drivers track their daily driving habits, regardless of their current car in order to determine if a full-electric vehicle like the BMW ActiveE will fit their lifestyle.

Full Press Release:

The introduction of the BMW ActiveE marks the launch of the second phase of the BMW Group’s electromobility development strategy. The BMW ActiveE will be available for lease in select markets beginning in Fall 2011 for $499 per month for 24 months with a down payment $2,250. It will be available for lease in the metropolitan markets of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York and Boston as well as the state of Connecticut.

Project i – research and development of tomorrow’s mobility.
The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next step towards an emission-free, massproduced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The ultimate goal is the concept of a Megacity Vehicle (MCV) that meets the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the MCV are being tested in the BMW ActiveE.

Ongoing field tests involving more than 600 MINI E cars, including 450 in the US, have already provided vital knowledge about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Beginning in 2011 in the US, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1000 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at BMW’s Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. The findings will serve to deepen the knowledge already gained on the everyday use of electric vehicles and to learn more about customer requirements. The feedback from customers testing the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be fed directly into series production of the MCV, which the BMW Group will be launching under a new sub-brand in 2013. With the BMW ActiveE, the BMW Group is extending field tests on electric mobility and is intensifying research into electric mobility in everyday driving. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the MCV are being tested on the BMW ActiveE. The knowledge gained will be fed directly into series development of the MCV. With the BMW ActiveE, the future of individual mobility combining driving pleasure with zero tailpipe emissions is one step closer.

Electric mobility as a supporting pillar of the EfficientDynamics development strategy. In the development of groundbreaking vehicle concepts and drive technologies within the framework of the EfficientDynamics strategy, the BMW Group attaches key importance to electric mobility. With EfficientDynamics the BMW Group has for been very successful in reducing fuel consumption and emission levels through new and highly-efficient engine generations, enhancement of aerodynamics, the use of innovative lightweight construction and intelligent engine management – all with better performance in the bargain. Thanks to EfficientDynamics, the company is now able to achieve additional economy advantages through the further electrification of the drive train and hybrid technology. In the medium term, the BMW Group is developing vehicle concepts for emission-free mobility in larger urban areas. In the long term, EfficientDynamics means the transition to emission-free mobility – using both battery power and sustainably produced hydrogen.

On the way to sustainable, CO2-free mobility, the BMW ActiveE represents the next major milestone. Following the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s second electric vehicle made available to consumers. With output of 170 horsepower and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft, the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds (preliminary), demonstrating the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW. At the same time, newly developed lithium-ion batteries facilitate a vehicle range of around 100 miles in everyday driving.

Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body and chassis of an existing car. The BMW ActiveE integrates all-electric drive components such as batteries, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without significant compromise on space or interior comfort. Therefore, the BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s first electric vehicle to offer four fully-fledged seats and a seven cu-ft luggage compartment. The BMW ActiveE incorporates a pilot series version of the same drive train and batteries Planned for the MCV.

The design: clearly a BMW, clearly a very special concept.
The BMW ActiveE is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe. The convex-concave design vocabulary gives the vehicle an even more dynamic appearance. However, specific visual interior and exterior accents highlight the exceptional character of the purely electrically powered BMW. Silver colored, circuit-inspired graphic elements on an Electric Blue background run over the entire Alpine White body. The intentional asymmetry of the graphic elements gives the vehicle a distinctive appearance. The blue shadowing provides additional depth.

The exterior design of the BMW ActiveE is further differentiated by the power dome in the hood which provides space for the batteries located under it. The completely closed rear apron is a distinctive feature of the BMW ActiveE. Since the ActiveE does not have an engine, there is no need for tailpipes and an exhaust system. Where the tailpipes are normally located, the BMW ActiveE boasts a silver-blue accentuating trim in the completely closed rear apron that indicates that the vehicle is free of emissions. Other distinguishing features include the “ActiveE” logo on the back of the car and the “eDrive” logos on the fenders.

In order to increase the vehicle’s range even further, the BMW ActiveE rides on the latest generation of tires with optimized rolling resistance. The result is a rolling resistance that is up to twenty percent lower compared to previous series production tires. The wheels of the BMW ActiveE are complemented with BMW’s lightest 16-inch alloys and boast a double V-spoke design.

In the interior the features of a BMW 1 Series Coupe are combined with individual details that emphasize the unique nature of the BMW ActiveE. Blue contrasting seams accentuate the Dakota Leather seats in exclusive Pearl Grey. Dashboard and door linings are fitted with Alpine White interior trim, which is available for the first time, and sport an “ActiveE” appliqué that transfers the exterior graphics into the interior of the car. The shift lever plaque in black and blue complements the overall graphic concept.

BMW eDrive – the BMW ActiveE’s control display concept.
The instrument cluster and the control system were specifically adapted to the electric drive concept of the BMW ActiveE. In place of a tachometer, the instrument on the right of the cluster shows the amount of energy being taken from the battery or the current amount being supplied to it through recuperation. When the vehicle is at a standstill, the needle in the middle position indicates that the vehicle is ready to drive, as the BMW ActiveE has no engine sound to inform the driver whether or not it is ready to drive. If the vehicle is not ready, the needle rests at the bottom left of the instrument. The “fuel gauge” below it indicates the battery charge level. Furthermore, the onboard computer provides additional vital information such as the remaining vehicle range, for example.

The eDrive display functions on the Central Information Display depict vehicle energy flow. During the journey an active schematic representation of the vehicle informs the driver whether energy is currently being taken from the battery or being fed into it through recuperation. Moreover, the driver can see the current charge state of the battery and also check whether the air conditioning or the heating system is currently in use. This representation can, if required, also be shown as a split screen to allow the simultaneous display of additional infotainment contents or the route guidance of the navigation system. When the vehicle is at a standstill, it is also possible to see on the display whether the vehicle is currently being charged or whether the battery and interior are being climatically conditioned. In addition, a special battery information menu provides information on the battery energy level as well as the current and remaining vehicle range. During charging it also indicates the remaining charging time.

Optimum comfort, optimum efficiency – the ECO PRO Mode.
If the driver wishes to increase the range of the BMW ActiveE even further, it is now possible to do this via the ECO PRO Mode. As soon as the driver activates the switch on the center console, the vehicle’s drive configuration and comfort functions are modified to facilitate an even more efficient driving style. The accelerator pedal mapping program delivers less power in the ECO PRO Mode than in the normal driving mode, but with the same pedal travel. The heating and air conditioning systems have a flatter setting and therefore use less energy. The driver is also provided with tips on how to reduce energy consumption even further for the best possible driving efficiency.

Emission-free, powerful and compact: the drive system of the BMW ActiveE.
The BMW ActiveE represents typical BMW driving pleasure in a new, emission-free form. The heart of the BMW ActiveE is the powerful electric synchronous motor. Maximum power output of the electric drive system is 170 horsepower while maximum torque of 184 lb-ft is available from a standstill, as is typical of electric vehicles and it remains available across an exceptionally broad load range. As a result, the BMW ActiveE accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at around 90 mph.

The permanent-magnet synchronous motor and the power electronics of the BMW ActiveE were developed entirely in-house and are characterized in this combination by exceptional efficiency, optimized power development and a compact design. The innovative character of the electric drive system is reflected above all in the relation between engine output and space requirement. The entire power pack including power electronics and transmission with differential is integrated into the modified rear-axle support of the BMW ActiveE, and with 170 horsepower, still has a total weight of only around 200 lbs.

Brake Energy Regeneration: drive and slow down with the accelerator pedal.
The driving experience of the BMW ActiveE is enhanced by the possibility of slowing down using the accelerator pedal via brake energy regeneration. When the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, the electric motor becomes a generator that feeds the electricity gained from kinetic energy back into the vehicle battery. At the same time, braking torque is created, which effectively slows the vehicle down. In this way, the accelerator pedal becomes a “drive pedal”. In urban traffic around 75 percent of all deceleration can be accomplished without using the brake pedal at all. Intensive use of this recuperation of energy via the motor also results in a range increase of up to 20 percent. Only when the driver wishes to slow down faster by stepping on the brake pedal does the conventional braking system of the BMW ActiveE come into play.

Gliding – “coasting” along the road.
Unlike the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE features a distinctive “intermediate position” of the accelerator pedal, allowing the vehicle to “glide”. As a result, the vehicle does not immediately recuperate when the driver decelerates, but “de-clutches” using the electric motor’s zero momentum control, thereby utilizing its own kinetic energy to move forward. The BMW ActiveE then “glides” along the road without using energy. Gliding offers a most convenient way of increasing the vehicle’s range.

Intelligent vehicle dynamics through Stability Management for Regeneration.
When the driver lets off the accelerator pedal to slow down, the regenerative brake torque only works on the rear wheels. Therefore the BMW ActiveE features an adapted driveactive vehicle dynamics interface, “Stability Management for Regeneration”, in order to also ensure vehicle stability during recuperation. The Dynamic Stability Control system has been adapted to the specific characteristics of the electric drive train. Based on various parameters, Stability Management for Regeneration adapts the recuperation level to each driving situation, combining the highest level of recuperation with best possible vehicle stability when decelerating in any situation. Should a situation arise that is critical for vehicle stability when using recuperative or hydraulic brakes, the optimized DSC function ensures constant vehicle stability by means of targeted intervention into the braking system and engine management. Furthermore, DCS ensures that the rear wheels are able to convert the high torque of the electric drive into maximum propulsion when starting off.

Lithium-ion batteries with liquid cooling system.
Specially developed lithium-ion storage cells ensure the energy supply of the drive system and all further functions of the BMW ActiveE. These high-voltage battery units are exceptional for their high storage capacity. The BMW ActiveE features large-format storage cells, which are being used for the first time and were jointly developed by the BMW Group and its associate partner SB LiMotive exclusively for automotive use.

With the BMW ActiveE developers are testing the storage cells and the storage electronics, which are to be installed later in the MCV. Combined into modules of six, eight or ten storage cells, they fit perfectly into the available space in the BMW ActiveE. The large battery unit of the BMW ActiveE takes up the space in the lower area of the vehicle normally intended for the drivetrain in a conventional vehicle. In order to accommodate additional storage cells, the space at the rear that has become available through the omission of a fuel tank is also utilized. Further lithium-ion cells are located at the front end in front of the cowl.

The BMW ActiveE’s three large storage modules are each protected by a speciallyconstructed steel-plate battery housing with integrated liquid cooling system. The cooling system constantly maintains the ideal operating temperature of the batteries, thereby contributing to an increase in the service capability and lifespan of the battery cells. The air conditioning/heating system tempers the liquid running through the storage unit housing via a heat exchanger. When connected to the electrical grid, the liquid can also be heated in order to bring the energy storage units up to the ideal temperature of approximately 70° Fahrenheit.

Thanks to these measures, the BMW ActiveE achieves a range of approximately 100 miles with a full battery charge. Intelligent battery management especially developed for the BMW ActiveE ensures that this range can be achieved as far as possible independent of external climatic conditions.

Fast and flexible recharging.
The development of electrically driven series production vehicles also encompasses innovative solutions for flexible, convenient and user-friendly charging of the vehicle’s batteries. The lithium-ion battery units featured in the BMW ActiveE can be recharged from multiple external power sources. In addition to using the wallbox, a 32-ampere charging dock installed at the user’s home, the driver can also connect the vehicle to a conventional power socket or a publicly accessible charging station. The standardized SAE J1772 charging port on the vehicle ensures compatibility with most charging stations.

The battery can be fully charged within four to five hours using the wallbox at 32 amperes. A range of around 25 miles is possible after just a one-hour charge at the wallbox.

The power electronics – greater efficiency, enhanced development of power.
The BMW ActiveE’s power electronics developed by BMW have been designed to get the maximum potential out of the electric motor. As in the future MCV, the BMW ActiveE’s power electronics are located above the rear axle on the electric motor, forming a complete unit together with the motor.

Apart from controlling the electric motor, the power electronics also ensure the power supply to the onboard electrical systems. With the aid of a voltage transformer and incorporating intelligent battery management, they ensure the reliable supply of electricity to all vehicle functions including the comfort and infotainment features. Central control functions, which are integrated into both the power electronics as well as the energy storage system, constantly monitor all components.

Everything from a single source – BMW Group drive technology competence.
The performance of the drive system in the BMW ActiveE is typical of a BMW. The exceptional dynamics and efficiency are the result of intensive development efforts. With the exception of the storage cell, BMW Group engineers develop everything that constitutes an electric vehicle – the energy storage module and its wiring, the electric motor, the power electronics and the transmission. After all, the BMW Group is committed to producing the world’s best drive systems – drive systems that stand out from the competition through efficiency, performance and running smoothness, even when electric power and not fuel is being transformed into movement.

Superior and comfortable – typical BMW, even with regard to handling.
On the road, the BMW ActiveE offers the typical BMW driving experience offering the handling characteristics and performance of a BMW 1 Series Coupe. The positioning of the batteries lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity. Moreover, the flexible distribution of the storage units facilitates the 50:50 weight distribution typical of BMW automobiles.

In addition to the adaptation of the rear axle to accommodate the electric drive, the BMW ActiveE’s suspension-related modifications are mainly restricted to specific components. For example, steering characteristics, springs and shock absorbers are adapted to the higher weight compared to the production version of the BMW 1 Series in order to reproduce typical BMW handling in combination with the electric drive train. The suspension setting was chosen with a special focus on comfortable and superior driving in cities and the urban environment for which the BMW ActiveE is predominantly designed.

BMW ConnectedDrive remote functions for the BMW ActiveE.
With BMW MyRemote, BMW enables the user to access the extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive functions via an app for the Apple iPhone (from 3G) and the iPad. The user has at his or her disposal all BMW ConnectedDrive remote functions using the CE device such as locking and unlocking the doors, the activation of the horn or headlamp flasher for locating the vehicle within sighting or hearing range, the CarFinder for locating the car within a radius of up to 3,300 feet as well as the Google Local Search function.

In addition, new remote functions developed especially for the BMW ActiveE for battery charge control and vehicle preconditioning have been incorporated into the range of functions. Via the customer’s Connected Drive Account the iPhone application establishes a unique connection with the vehicle and automatically displays the additional range of functions as soon as the Connected Drive Account has been identified. However, prerequisite for all remote functions is that both the vehicle and the user are receiving a signal. Of course, the driver has access to the BMW ConnectedDrive functions without using an iPhone. This serves solely as a remote control and information device.

eCommand: charge level, range and preconditioning at a glance.
The specific electric car functions, called eCommand, comprise both charge control and control of the preconditioning of both the batteries and the interior cabin. The charge control function allows the user to start and stop the charging process as well as the setting of a charge timer. Via charge control the user can view the charge level at any time and see whether the vehicle is currently being charged. Users are informed of the battery charge level (State of Charge), the vehicle’s current travel range with a full battery charge and the time remaining until the batteries are fully charged. Another display function informs users how far away they are from work or the destination that has been predefined as their home, so that they are able to make a best possible estimation of the distance they are still able to travel. Moreover, the app informs users where the nearest battery charging stations are, offering the opportunity to send these directly to the navigation system’s routing function as an interim destination.

Preconditioning for enhanced vehicle range.
Unlike the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE offers the user the potential to cool or heat both the batteries and the car interior using intelligent preconditioning when the vehicle is connected to the grid, thus bringing them up to the ideal operating temperature even before setting off. A preconditioned vehicle offers two advantages: first, the ideal operating temperature of the batteries guarantee highest possible power output and ensure a longer range. Secondly, the interior is already adjusted to a pleasant temperature prior to starting a journey – both in the summer and the winter. Intelligent preconditioning of the BMW ActiveE automatically determines according to the ambient temperature to what extent the vehicle and the battery should be pre-cooled or heated.

Using the BMW MyRemote application, preconditioning can be activated directly or the user can determine via the timer when preconditioning should start. For instance, he or she can ensure that the vehicle is pre-cooled or heated in the mornings before they use the car. However, it is only possible to precondition the car if it is connected to a charging terminal. This ensures that the vehicle’s range is not shortened by preconditioning, on the contrary, it actually increases it. Due to the heating and cooling process while the vehicle is connected to the power supply, the energy required for this is no longer drawn from the battery during the journey. Charging and preconditioning functions are, of course, also directly accessible and controllable from inside the vehicle.

BMW ActiveE arrives in the US this fall
The BMW ActiveE makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show and takes to the road beginning in Fall 2011.

BMW Activate the Future
Before the ActiveE arrives, BMW has started a broader conversation about the future of mobility that thinks “beyond the car.” To start the conversation, throughout the month of February, BMW will launch a four-part online documentary series entitled “WHEREVER YOU WANT TO GO: Four Films about the Future of Mobility”, which is intended to create a broader conversation about the future of mobility and to challenge existing consumer mindsets. Go to www.BMWActivatetheFuture.com to join the conversation.

Mr. Dukec took the time to describe for us the exterior design and new elements that can be seen in this futuristic concept.

BMWBLOG: Describe for us the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

Domagoj Dukec: This car is only being used to communicate ConnectedDrive. The board members believed we have not had enough communication around ConnectedDrive and even though we have in every car, people are not really familiar with it. Adrian Van Hooydonk said it was important to communicate ConnectedDrive in an emotional way otherwise people might not be able to grasp the idea.

So how should the exterior look to communicate ConnectedDrive? It has to be open so you can look inside, this is a very emotional thing, the classic roadster concept has always been emotional. It also has to be very easy to understand. If you look at the car, there is not much of an experiment as far as surface languages, we are only using the core elements of a BMW. The whole body has been reduced to some main lines. Since BMW has such a strong heritage, we don’t need to deal too much with flaming surfaces.

Same goes for the color chosen here, it’s less prominent so the car stands out for what it was meant to be.

BMWBLOG: So the whole idea was really to focus on the ConnectedDrive technology rather than another eye-candy Concept.

Domagoj Dukec: Exactly. Of course, we still had to give it a look that enhances driving pleasure so typical to a BMW: long bonnet, shorter overhangs. The other heritage element we used here is the sliding door, coming from the Z1. On the Z1 you have to door sliding down, so you have to compromise on the design to make it work. Since BMW always has this long distance between the front-wheel and A-pillar which is perfect to put the door inside. This side design also allows you to even drive with the open door.

We are using another core element of a roadster, the windscreen to express the ConnectedDrive. As you know, BMW stands for driver-oriented interior, and now the question was “How can we show this in the exterior design?” The sculpted windscreen design on the drive side offer this longer point of view.

The only thing we are showing that it’s somewhat linked to a production car is this layering, as shown now on the front-end of the 1 Series M Coupe. Layering means that every piece has its own function and all together work in a very harmonious way.

So to summarize, this is not the car we used to show that this is the future of BMW, but we still want people to say “This is a nice BMW” and understand the whole them where we, the exterior department, try to support the message of ConnectedDrive.

BMWBLOG: Layering was also discussed in the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. Have you used the previous concept as a starting point?

Domagoj Dukec: No. The ED Concept was a show car to communicate EfficientDynamics, a preview of BMW i. At the time, it was very important to prepare people on seeing a dynamic brand like BMW in an efficient, ecological way. These concepts show layering and aerodynamic features. We now have BMW M and BMW I as sub-brands, on one side you have dynamics, on the other one efficiency, and in between, our EfficientDynamics philosophy and concepts.

On this car, again, the story is ConnectedDrive, and it also shows that regardless of what we do in the future, all the technical pre-development which is quite complex, we will not be losing the emotional aspect of driving pleasure. The main focus is to enhance driving pleasure and all this technology is helping you to make this experience even better.

BMWBLOG: As we have anticipated, the car is not going into production, this is not the Z2 everyone was talking about. Correct?

Domagoj Dukec: It’s funny that everyone wants to know if it goes into production, but that is not always the goal. If you go on a fashion show, you have haute-couture, something you can’t buy anytime, but it helps to showcase the image of the brand. This is a dream car that shows our potential. The nice part is that the same design team also creates production cars. Of course, these cars are always five years behind, concept cars’ development is usually a year or less. What we do now in concepts, comes out in 2015 and on for production cars.

BMWBLOG: The car was designed by Juliana Blasi, am I correct?

Yes. Juliana is very talented and she always makes emotional cars. This is her second roadster.

BMWBLOG: Before we part ways, tells us more about some of the unique exterior design features on the ConnectedDrive Concept.

At the front, the full LED lights, so the daylights are coming from the corona rings and since now the center of the headlight is empty, we have placed in there the Night Vision cameras. Normally the cameras are behind the front-grille. So now, with ConnectedDrive, the information flows to the driver and since we now have two Night Vision Cameras, you get the 3D picture.

The kidneys get more “love” also. The grille gets a 3D aspect since the bars are not as flat as they used to be. In the front they are glossy and in the back, are matte.

And a very interesting design element is the asymmetrical hood that matches the driver-oriented interior, a cone of vision where the 3D Head-Up Display is placed. This shows the driver orientation from the outside as well.

BMWBLOG: And last question. Why the switch from Citroen to BMW?

I joined BMW in April of 2010, I was with Citroen for nine years. I have always been a BMW enthusiast and even when I was young in school, I was a BMW fan. I met Adrian Van Hooydonk in the past and knew my work, and he gave me the opportunity to join BMW last year and I took it. BMW really opens up the horizons for a designer.

Augmented Reality and even artificial intelligence are two of the primarily characteristics of this concept. The car has the ability to connect with the outside world, anticipate driving habits and driver’s personal preferences. Location-based information is another key concept in BMW’s Vision ConnectedDrive. The Infotainment system which is based primarily on location-based information displays data falling within a certain predefined radius.

Thilo Koslowski, the vice president of automotive research at Gartner, said in an interview for Fox News that this kind of location-awareness is the latest auto tech trend. “Cars are becoming smarter and communicating intelligently with the outside world,” he told FoxNews.com.

Information and entertainment hub.

Just like the ConnectedDrive Concept, the cars have the ability to pinpoint your current location at all-time, identify your music and movie preferences, and furthermore, interact in a social way with other cars on the road. Koslowski also said that over the next ten years, cars will “crowd source” information from other drivers as they pass your vehicle, learning valuable information that are then displayed on your screen.

The cars are bound to become a central hub of information, a super-smart mobile office that allows you to complete most of your daily tasks. The car also becomes an entertainment hub, aside from the in-car media features, the smart car of the future would allow you to order movie tickets, make reservations, and email or text people. “Cars will become the ultimate mobile device,” Koslowski said. “And even more so because they truly are mobile. Making information more accessible to the driver has become a new automotive focus.”

In their Vision ConnectedDrive Concept, BMW said location-based services enable the information available to be used to create a digital tour of the city or to book a ticket, complete with the appropriate entry in the digital calendar.

Safety – the primarily function.

As drivers and passengers crave for more information as they drive, information overload becomes an issue that could lead to potential distractions. Safety is the ultimate goal in any modern vehicle and automakers are already taking the necessary steps to improve safety of their cars and passengers. Fox News touches on this subject as well reporting on new technologies developed by Mercedes-Benz and Volvo that can sense an imminent collision and hit the brakes automatically. The Volvo S60 can detect a passing pedestrian and flash a warning light before braking. BMW has already deployed several new technologies in the recently launched 5 and 7 Series; including Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot detection and Night Vision Cameras.

The new Vision ConnectedDrive Concept aims to improve safety with a new set of features. Equipped with a complex sensory system, the car has the ability to scan the surrounding space and the chosen route. In a case where the traffic lights ahead of you have failed, the information is quickly processed by the system and a warning message is displayed on the three-dimensional Head-Up Display. While this seems easily attainable these days, the next feature seems pulled out of a Sci-Fi flick: sensors that can see around corners.

Imagine a scenario where ahead of you lays a road junction with failed traffic lights or no lights at all. The Vision Concept is “trained” to immediately display a warning message, but this is just the first step in the process. Due to its ability to exchange information with road users, the car recognizes the potential danger immediately. Two cars approaching the road junction with full speed are on-course for a devastating accident, but due to the information exchanged ahead of time, the vehicle will make you aware of the imminent danger and act in two possible ways: warning message, both visual and audible, and braking system automatically applied.

For Fox News, Paul Laurenza, an attorney at Dykema who studies automotive technology, said a new DOT estimate finds that 81% of vehicle collisions could be avoided using new collision avoidance technology.

By 2013, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will decide whether to regulate new vehicle-to-vehicle safety warning technologies for collision avoidance. BMW along with other automakers, are already ahead of the curve, and by the time the new regulations receive the approval seal, the technology would be mature enough to be introduce in production cars.

Judging by the sound engine, the BMW i8 prototype seem to continue testing the three-cylinder diesel engine that was initially revealed with. Recent reports indicate that due to low popularity of diesel outside of Europe, the powerplant will be replaced by a gasoline engine.

The concept study BMW Vision EfficientDynamics was revealed in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and represents the future of driving pleasure, as BMW described it. Just 1.24 meters high, the 2+2-seater takes up the characteristic BMW shaping style, geared consistently towards aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance.

Wing doors facilitate entry to both rows of seats, while extensive aerodynamic measures reduce the drag coefficient to 0.22. The gasoline or diesel engine will be paired with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle enables an overall system output of 241 kW/328 bhp.

The final performance numbers are far from being finalized, but BMW anticipates the i8 to run to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds – with an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) of 3.76 litters/100 kilometers, equal to 75.1 mpg imp, and a CO2 emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer.

The BMW i8 will be built at the Leipzig plant and according to BMW, the total volume we should expect varies between 5,000 and 10,000 units.

Last year, BMWBLOG was one of the five automotive publications invited to enjoy ride in an i8 prototype and at the time, we shared our first impressions.

[Source: e90post ]

It all started in the Bangle times where the charismatic designer took the stage to present and sometimes even defend some of the new designs. The ex-chief designer, along with key people in each project, took us behind the scene of the designing process and introduced us into a fascinating world.

As years passed, BMW opened up even more and the latest Vision ConnectedDrive Concept takes us deeper behind the scenes than ever. From designers to engineers and product managers, the Vision ConnectedDrive Concept team describes in detail the design process of this new exciting concept.

Those of you interested in industrial or car design will find the videos below to be quite interesting.