BMW
Green Supercar is GO
Credit: Bangkok Post (http://www.bangkokpost.com)
BMW announces serial production of sports car with plug-in hybrid technology.
Ah, the green supercar race seems to be kickin' alive...
You bet. In recent years, we have seen supercar concepts sporting hybrid drivetrains. The latest one was the Jaguar C-X75, although the XJ220-looking supercat is unlikely to be made.
The ones that stand a higher chance are the Audi e-tron, BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics and Mercedes-Benz SLS E-cell. These three German premium nameplates are known for their big egos and one of them has already announced serial production, hoping to become the first with a green sports car.
So the Vision ED will be made just like it is?
6-series mule also used for testing new hybrid drivetrain; while front end is Vision ED, rear is 6-series; conventional doors could be used to reduce costs.
While BMW has confirmed production of a sports car with plug-in hybrid power, it has yet to decide which body style will clothe the eco-friendly drivetrain.
That's why you see two road-going prototypes on this page. Be reminded, though, these aren't computer-generated pictures from our syndicate Autocar nor are they images supplied to us by the automotive paparazzi; these are official handouts from BMW.
One test mule uses the concept's original body featuring scissor-type doors, while the 6-series-looking one has conventional doors.
But those Lambo-style doors look cool!
Certainly, but they are more expensive than doors with regular hinges. Lamborghini could afford to do so on the Gallardo and Murcielago due to fatter margins. BMW, on the other hand, is more mainstream, if not mass-market.
More importantly, there's also a likelihood that the new plug-in hybrid will not be wearing a BMW badge. Sources say it could serve as as an image-booster for a new sub-brand under the MCV (mega city vehicle) project BMW officially unveiled earlier this year.
This means we could be looking at a launch date of 2013 at the earliest for this tree-friendly sports car.
Will the concept's technical credentials remain?
BMW is still sticking to the figures it revealed for Vision ED at the Frankfurt motor show last year. There are electric motors on the front and rear axles that can run for 50km on pure electricity, while a three-cylinder turbo-diesel acts a backup to stretch the range to 700km.
Total power is rated at 328hp, 0-100kph timed at 4.8sec, economy measured at 26.6kpl and CO2 emissions weighed at Prius-like 99g/km.
You mean I just plug it up at home?
Precisely, the same principle as in the Chevrolet Volt featured on pages M2-M3. BMW's plug-in vehicle has a lithium-polymer battery stacked longitudinally in the chassis. It can be recharged via conventional socket in a claimed two-and-a-half hours.
Are these performance figures really credible?
A road-going prototype of the Vision ED concept car is now undergoing testing; the concept’s slippery shape promises drag coefficient of just 0.22; scissor-type doors still under consideration.
Okay, we are not in a position to verify these figures.
After all, they merely claims from a manufacturer. However, don't forget that they are based on the Vision ED which has an ultra-slippery surface capable of yeilding a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
Thus, if BMW changes the package for its plug-in hybrid, then there would definitely be implications on aerodynamics and performance. Also, many showroom cars have a tendency to tip the scales at more than the concept form.
Will BMW go flat out with electric power?
Audi and Mercedes may be developing cars with pure electricity, although BMW is also actively pursuing with such technology.
But instead of focusing in supercars, BMW has taken a more sensible path by experimenting with small, light, urban cars like the Mini E and ActiveE, the latter based on the 1-series coupe{aac}.
BMW has already started with petrol/electric hybrid, that is, the ActiveHybrid versions of the 7-series and X6, to be followed by the 5-series next year. They are available commercially only in left-hand-drive form so far.
The next step in car electrification is that plug-in hybrid, of which we will see the first one from BMW in 2013. Pure electric vehicle is the following step, although the Mini E and ActiveE are currently leased on a limited basis in selected cities around the world.
Credit: Bangkok Post (http://www.bangkokpost.com)
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