BMW has thrown its hat into the eco-supercar ring by confirming plans to place its spectacular diesel/electric-powered Vision EfficientDynamics concept into series production.
The futuristically styled plug-in hybrid, first revealed at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, is set to undergo an accelerated development programme that aims to place the low-slung four-seater on sale in all of BMW’s key world markets, including the UK, by October 2013.
See the pics of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics in action
With performance targets similar to the M3 – 0-62mph in 4.8sec and a top speed limited to 155mph - the new carbonfibre-bodied coupé won’t be BMW’s fastest production model; that accolade will rest with next year’s all-new twin-turbocharged 4.8-litre V8-powered M5, according to Munich sources. .
But with combined fuel economy of over 75mpg and a CO2 emission rating of only 99g/km, it will certainly be among the company’s most frugal production cars.
Speaking at a media presentation in Leipzig, Germany last night, to commemorate the start of the Vision EfficientDynamics development process, BMW’s R&D chief Klaus Draeger said, “This car will crown our line-up. In terms of technology it sits well above anything we currently offer.”
Read Autocar's original story on the BMW Vision ED
As part of pre-production studies carried out on the new car since its unveiling in September 2009, BMW has already laid down a series of engineering parameters and carried out almost 60,000kms of testing with its hi-tech driveline. But it is quick to suggest the as-yet-unnamed two-door will undergo significant changes before reaching production maturity.
“We’re at the very beginning of development and are still establishing how to move forward, like what sort of driveline system would be suitable for all the markets we intend to sell the car,” says Draeger. “You could, for example, see the current diesel engine make way for a petrol unit.
“On top of this are new construction processes that need time to be put in place and develop. The styling will also be overhauled to make it compatible for all the various safety standards.”
Read more on BMW's teaser campaign for the Vision ED
The first running prototype of BMW’s future range-topping model remains true to the earlier concept car by using a combination of diesel and electric power.
At the heart of the system's mule, pictured here, is a mid-mounted 1.5-litre three-cylinder common-rail diesel engine producing 161bhp – essentially the same unit earmarked for the German car maker’s future front-wheel drive 115d due out in 2014.
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Re: BMW confirms new eco-supercar
Rayman89, these company's have to get in on the act because sooner or later we're going to have to go this route. look at it this way, you start with a protype,the you refine it, fine tune it,and over the decade or so it's improved and then we reach the next level,you've got to start somewhere, haven't you?
Re: BMW confirms new eco-supercar
There can be no surprise that BMW are joining Porsche and perhaps Jaguar in this newest of trends the eco-friendly supercar, I hope it encourages other manufacturers to join in.
Re: BMW confirms new eco-supercar
Carbon-fiber? Eco-friendly? I think not.