Unlike other hybrid vehicles that use existing vehicle architecture and then add a hybrid drivetrain, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics isn't penalised by weight. A V8 or larger capacity engine that would be the norm for a supercar has been substituted by a compact three-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This is fitted to an aluminium chassis to further save weight. The result of this is that the vehicle tips the scales at just 1,395kgs.
The use of low rolling resistance tyres has also taken on another twist to offer something unique. Normally customer demand for larger alloy wheels with wider tyres is at odds with aerodynamic and rolling resistance targets. However, BMW engineers working with Michelin developed a solution to this conundrum. The contact patch of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics has effectively been turned 90 degrees by virtue of specifying larger diameter wheel rims. Larger, but thinner tyres result in the same percentage of rubber being in contact with the road, but the cross section of the tyre as a whole is smaller making for less rolling resistance and greater aerodynamic efficiency.
BMW is renowned for using lightweight materials as part of its EfficientDynamics strategy and this concept car is no different. The chassis and suspension are made entirely from aluminium while the roof and the outer skin of the doors are made of a lightweight polycarbonate glass. This material also comes with special properties that allow the glass to darken in sunlight to keep the cabin temperature at the desired level.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics also showcases BMW's Thermo Electric Generator currently fitted to the exhaust system of test cars and being developed for production. This works on the principle of the Seebeck effect to generate an electrical current courtesy of the temperature change between two metal based semi-conductors. This system alone generates enough charge to power some of the auxiliary features.
Inside, and the 3D Head-up Display is another feature that highlights at possible production car capability as does a new incarnation of iDrive with a touchpad screen. The vehicle's 4.6 metre length, 1.9 metre width and 1.24 metre height permit a 2+2 configuration that makes this supercar a practical form of transport. With the rear seats folded the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics even has room for two sets of golf clubs that can be stowed in the 150-litre luggage area.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the centrepiece of the BMW stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show. More images and video footage of this model and other new products at the show can be seen at www.bmw-web.tv.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics won't be the only star in Frankfurt, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, currently the marque's lowest CO2 emitting model at 109g/km, will debut. Joining this model will be the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW X1, the BMW X5 10-Year Anniversary Edition and new engine introductions into existing model line-ups such as the BMW 118d Coup and 120i Coup.
Representing BMW UK at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be Graham Biggs and Angela Stangroom. They will be able to answer any further questions about the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics or other products on display. Graham can be contacted on 00 44 7771 976867 and Angela on 00 44 7740 740425.
*If the car drives under just electric power CO2 emissions (tank to wheel) are actually 0g/km. However, if the electric power comes from a European power station emitting an average of approximately 290g CO2 / kWh, electric consumption by the car of 17.5kWh/100km means well to wheel emissions are 50.75g/km (17.5 x 290 100 = 50.75).