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
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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.
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Feature
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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.
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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.
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