BMW has shown its new i sub-brand at the Frankfurt motor show a brand created to sell an extended range of cutting-edge, purpose-built electric, hybrid and range extender-powered models.
Called i, BMW has shown an initial two model line-up, revealed in concept guise.
The line-up consists of the compact four-seat BMW i3 conceived primarily for short-range urban use and a more sporting two-plus-two BMW i8 performance flagship that progresses the ideas first hinted at by the EfficientDynamics concept car.
Read about the BMW i3 city car and see Frankfurt show pics
Now read about the BMW i8 super-coupé and see pics from the show
Further i models - including a Chevrolet Volt-rivaling notchback expected to be badged BMW i5 - are on the drawing board, but BMW’s main focus is on developing the technically advanced i3 and i8 for a planned 2013 on sale date.
As well as providing a platform for the development of its new alternative drive models, BMW is also using its new i brand as the basis for a network of personal mobility and car sharing-based activities, including a new location-based information portal and a joint venture with German rental car giant Sixt, through which the i3 and i8 will be offered.
The four-seat BMW i3, previously known under the internal working title Megacity Vehicle, is a pure electric hatchback that will be sold with the option of a petrol range-extending engine that acts as a generator to provide it with a range similar to today’s small cars.
The BMW i8, which gets a snug two-plus-two interior layout, comes with petrol-electric hybrid drive. The i3 and i8 will be assembled on a dedicated line at BMW’s Leipzig manufacturing base in Germany – the same site responsible for production of the 1 and 3-series as well as the X1.
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