BMW showcased its vision for luxury sustainability at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show with the debuts of the conceptual studies for its first electrically powered production cars, the BMW i3 and i8 Concepts. The BMW i3 and i8 originate from the German automaker’s new electric car sub-brand (the “i”) and are due to launch in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept Features
The pure electric hatchback i3 was purposefully designed for crowded city driving and packs a lithium-ion battery with a range of 90-plus miles. It’s electric motor produces 125 kW (about 170 horsepower) through the rear wheels (as per BMW usual). The car is expected to go from 0-60mph in less than eight seconds and the battery can be 80% charged in less than an hour using a high-speed charger.
The emissions-free i3 seats four comfortably, provides a roomy 200-liters of trunk space and passes the highest crash safety ratings, said BMW. New carbon-based architecture helps reduce the weight of the i3 to a nimble 2,750 pounds, according to BMW, the car would be 770 pounds heavier using traditional materials.
“This vehicle will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon. It’s a revolution in automotive design,” said Klaus Draeger, BMW’s product development chief.
The sporty BMW i8 concept is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that uses a combination of an electric motor and gasoline engine for power. The car can travel more than 20 miles in electric mode, but can rely on the 3.0-liter gasoline engine for longer trips and higher performance needs. The i8 seats also seats four, can reach a top speed of 150 mph, and can achieve 0-60 mph in under five seconds, all the while getting 78 mpg according to BMW.
“The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable,” said Draeger.
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