BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept
After several months of speculation and official teases for the past week, we now finally have all the details on the Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept that BMW will show in Frankfurt in a couple of weeks. The speculation about the concept’s power train has gone in several directions, almost all of which were correct. The new concept is a plug-in hybrid with a tree cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Conceived with the idea of melding the performance of an M3 with exceptionally low fuel consumption, BMW claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds while scoring 62.6 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined test cycle. There has been considerable speculation that future BMW would go to smaller engines including a three cylinder. The concept uses a 1.5-liter turbo diesel that is essentially half of the fabulous 3.0-liter found in the 335d. The triple is rated at a hefty 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. The engine is paired a 6-speed DCT derived from the unit used the M3 and Z4. Adding fuel to the recent reports that BMW would not continue developing the two-mode hybrid systems that will debut soon in the X6, the concept uses a new hybrid system. The new system is a further development of the mild hybrid that is debuting in the Active Hybrid 7. As in the 7, a more powerful 33 hp electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission. A second 80 hp motor provides drive to the front axle. The total net output of the drive system is 356 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
Front side of BMW
Its a tough car
Back Side of BMW
Making use of electric motor requires some electrical energy system. Here BMW’s new concept has an arrangement similar to the Chevy Volt; the pack has a usable capacity of 8.6 kWh. However, the total capacity is just 10.8 kWh. BMW claims the pack used in the concept can use 80 percent of its capacity, considerably more than the 50 percent that the volt uses. The upside is that the pack weighs just 187 pounds. When plugged into a standard European 220 V / 16 A outlets, the battery can be charged in just 2.5 hours. Unlike the Volt, which is designed to give its full performance from the electric drive system, the BMW concept gets its full capability from the blended power delivery. The concept is able to run about 31 miles on electricity alone and complete the NEDC test procedure on electricity. The electrical energy consumption of the concept is 28.16 kWh/100 miles which compares to the claimed 25 kWh/100 miles for the Volt. Another area where the BMW differs particularly from the original Volt concept is aerodynamics. The Volt is well-known for having had terrible drag properties. The BMW is claimed to have a drag coefficient of 0.22, part of which was attained by moving the diesel engine to the back of the car. The mid-mounted engine sits just ahead of the rear axle which combines with the small front electric motor for a very low front end. Similar to the Cadillac Provoq concept which eventually became the SRX, front air resistance is reduced by using thermostatically controlled slats ahead of the radiator inlets to redirect air when it is not needed for cooling.
Up side down doors
The latest BMW Concept Car for the Efficient Dynamics philosophy:
- Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output
- Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive
- Lithium polymer battery for electrical energy
- Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.
- Performance, fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.
- Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW’s Motorsport experience.
- Overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
- Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.
- Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.
- Interior: innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver
- Innovative light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.
- Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats
- Clear focus on the essential: 3-dimensional Head-Up Display.
- Forward-looking energy management adjusting to individual requirements.
The seat Materials
Wheel and Velg
Overall, BMW has made use of knowledge gained from motorsports in optimizing the aerodynamics of the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept.
