Road&Track

Page 1

BMW HYBRID CONCEPT

Volume 6, No.7

A NEW KIND OF SUPER CAR


Contents

Road Test Porsche Boxster Spyder

64

Road Test Update

92

Features BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics

4

Hybrid Perceptions

48

Long Term Test: Audi R8 Odyssey II

72

Diesel vs Gasoline Reality

52

Propulsion Prognostications

46

Competition Michelin: Lesson Learned

2

84

ROAD& ROAD&


Contents

D&TRACK D&TRACK First Drives Rolls-Royce Ghost

30

Buick Regal

34

Honda Accord Crosstour Ex-L

36

Columns The Road Ahead

13

Ampersand: Audi E-Tron

16

Side Glances

26

Trackside: Formula 1 Rule Changes

82

3


EFFICIENT DYNAMICS HYBRID VISION As a plug-in turbodiesel hybrid dressed in upward-pivoting doors and radical styling, BMW’s 4-seat Vision Efficient Dynamcis concept car is packed with technology enabling it to be both frugal on the fuel and fast on the road. Fresh from its Frankfurt Motor Show world debut last year, arrived a few weeks later stateside to make its Los Angeles Auto Show apperance. And before it rolled into the convention center, we were able to take a closer look at this futuristic hybrid concept car, which is destined to play a large roll in defining the shape of things to come.

4


Feature

5


Feature The Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept

designed A-pillars are intended to guide

needed, the same motor can give an

the air around over the car efficiently with

additional 32 hp for 30 seconds, and up to

minimal resistance. Drag coefficient for

139 hp for 10 sec. for that extra power.

is 181.1 in long, 74.8 in wide, and 48.8

the Vision is 0.22.

in tall. It has a 2+2 seating configuration

residing between the mid-mounted

that includes 5.3 cu ft. of luggage space.

Vision’s futuristic exterior styling, is

turbo-diesel engine and BMW’s 6-speed

The overall curb weight is just a little

a sweeping and flowing instrument

DCT twin-clutch gerbox—drives the

over 3000lb. The show car rides on 21-in

panel. The seats are arranged to give

rear axle. It is rated to serve up to 33 hp

tires, size 195/55. Of particular interest

passengers

is the innovative approach to the car’s

a floating-

light-weight con-struction. The chassis

in-air

is made mostly from aluminum, with

feel. The

exterior skin utilizing layering technology

upholstery

where one surface is bonded on top of

is made with natural materials, with Kevlar

can serve double duty, providing not only

another to create a smooth skin with a

used for the seats for structural support.

all-wheel drive but also functioning as

minimal number of joints. The special

New technologies such as a 3-D head-up

regen­erative powerplants to recharge the

polycarbonate glass that stretches from

display and BMW night vision are included.

onboard lithium-polymer batteries. The

the base of the windshield to the rear

1.5 liter 3-cylinder diesel engine features

blends seamlessly into the doors and the

three sources: electric motors and a

direct injection and vaiable-intake

fenders made with similar material. The

turbodiesel engine. The synchronous

turbocharging. It is capable of generating

BMW signature kidney grille has active

electric motor in the front can provide a

163 bhp and 214lb.-ft. of torque, with

louvers that open and close depending

continuous out put of 80 horsepower and

minimized fuel consumption .

on the cooling needs. The sculpted air

peak torque of 162lb - ft. via a 2-stage,

dams ahead of the front and the specially

single-speed, reduction gearbox. When

can accelerate from a standing start

Inside the car, complementing the

In back, the second electric motor—

continuously (51 hp

“The Vision Seamlessly blends the greenhouse and the body into one elegant work of art”

The Vision’s concept is powered by

peak) and maximum torque of 214 lb. -ft. Combined, the two electric motors

Overall, the combined 353-bhp Vision

The huge glass scissor-door welcomes you into this space-age concept car.

6


Feature to 62 mph in 4.8 sec., with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Using the European test cycle, fuel economy is an estimated 62.6 mpg, with total Co2 emissions rated at 99g/km.

There are 98 lithium-polymer cells

residing in the middle of the car running front to back. Each 30 amp-hr cell can deliver 600 amps at 3.7 volts. And when the extra passing power is needed , each cell can ramp up to provide 1200 amps. The entire battery pack weighs about 190 lb. The onboard computer keeps the litium-polymers at optimal operating conditions by never exceeding 80 percent of thier discharge capacity (10.6 kW-h

6.6-gal. fuel tank, the range is extended

of higher road speed (and its greater

total) when the car is in motion.

to approximately 430 miles.

airflow), the cooling system power can be

Via a plug-in connector, the Vision can be

reduced.

fully charged in 2.5 hours with a 220-volt,

by the hybrid drive technology, the BMW

16 amp outlet. A 380-volt, 21-amp power

vision is also testing a forward-looking

or its technology reaching production

source can top off the batteries in as little

energy management concept where data

anytime soon. But one thing is certain.

as 44 minutes. In full electric mode, The

from onboard GPS and various sensors

This BMW concept proves that hybrid cars

BMW concept can travel up to 31miles.

are analyzed and used to optimize energy

of the future can be as cool-looing and fun

Supplemented by the diesel engine and its

needs. For example , in anticipation

to drive as any sports sedan today.

In addtion to the fuel effciency gained

No official word as to the BMW Vision

The thin rear LED lights are integrated into the body as air deflectors. Other curvaceous elements in the rear also designed to optimize airflow.

7


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.