BMW i8 (BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics)
The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid under development by BMW. The initialturbodiesel concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the BMW i8 gasoline-powered concept car destined for production was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The BMW i8 prototype has a 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack estimated to deliver an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi). The i8 prototype has an average fuel efficiency of less than 2.5 L/100 km (113.0 mpg-imp; 94.1 mpg-US) under the New European Driving Cycle with carbon emissions of less than 59 g/km.
The BMW i8 gasoline-powered concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show has a 7.2 kWh (26 MJ) lithium-ion battery pack that allows an all-electric range of 35 km (22 mi). Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (160 mph) and is expected to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Under normal driving conditions the i8 is expected to deliver 80 mpg-US (2.9 L/100 km; 96 mpg-imp) under the European cycle. A full charge of the battery will take less than 2 hours using 220V
The i8 combines the electric drive system of the BMW i3, with a 96 kW (129 hp) electric motor located in the front axle powering the front wheels and at the rear is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine producing 164 kW (220 hp) and 300 N·m (220 lbf·ft) of torque. The result is a combined output of 260 kW (349 hp). All four wheels provide regenerative braking. The location of the battery pack in the energy tunnel gives the vehicle a low center of gravity, enhancing its dynamics. Together with the positioning of the motor and engine over the axles, the result is an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
