BMW officially reveals the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept: Over 80 images and a video!

Posted by Harvinder

August 30, 2009

After releasing a teaser video as well as a teaser image, Munich-based BMW has officially unveiled the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept over the weekend. The concept is a 2+2 seater vehicle, with plug-in full-hybrid technology. BMW calls it a unique car that “combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars.”

The 4,600 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,240 mm high Vision EfficientDynamics Concept is powered by BMW’s ActiveHybrid drivetrain, that is made up by a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder turbodiesel combustion engine (with High Precision Direct Injection and variable intake geometry turbocharger) that can deliver 163HP and 290Nm of torque. The engine is positioned in front the of the rear axle and is paired with a 6 speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine is complemented by two electric motors, one for each axle.

The one at the back is positioned in between the combustion engine and the transmission and is able to crank out 51Hp and 290Nm of torque. It either supports the diesel engine or pure electric driving. When the car is coasting or when the brakes are being applied, energy is generated via a Brake Energy Regeneration system and is stored in a lithium-polymer battery pack.

The other electric motor outputs 80HP and 219Nm of torque, with a 30-second boost that can add 112HP more (for a 10-second “burst,” the electric motor is able to develop 139HP). This motor is mated to a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox. Just like the BMW ActiveHybrid X6, it can run solely on electric power till energy runs out (about 50 km), and according to the auto maker, for a short time, such as in passing maneuvers, the cumulative maximum output of all three engines increases to 356HP, with maximum torque generated by the three power units reaching 800Nm.

The 10.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, that is placed in a chassis element running from front to rear through the middle of the car, comes with 98 lithium-polymer cells and is able to generate a nominal voltage of 364 volts. Apart from recharging via Brake Energy Regeneration, it can also be recharged via a standard (EU power outlet, 220 V, 16 Amps) household power outlet. Linked to plug-in connector in the front-right wing of the car, it would take 2.5 hours for a full recharge. With a 380 V, 32 Amps power source, charge time can be reduced to 44 minutes.

Overall, the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept has a driving range of approximately 693 kilometers. 0 – 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds and top speed is rated at 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 62.6 miles to the gallon (EU test cycle) while CO2 emissions output is figured at 99 grams per kilometer.

The lightweight (1,395 kg) Vision EfficientDynamics Concept has a very low front end, with the flow of air being further smoothened by active louvers in front of the radiator, which close completely when the need for cooling air is low.

Other aerodynamic features it has, include, A-pillars that serve to channel the flow of air in the same way as the rear lights with their wing profile, a flat floor (to avoid any air swirl liable to increase fuel consumption) and slender openings around the front air dam (guide the air flowing specifically into two closed ducts leading inside the front air dam to the wheel arches where the air comes out again through a very slim aperture at high speed, flowing just next to the outer wheel flanks). Overall, the drag coefficient is rated at 0.22.

The concept is treated to 21-inch wheels, fitted with 195/55 tires. Together, both wheel and tire further optimize the aerodynamic qualities of the entire vehicle and keep rolling resistance to a minimum. The chassis and suspension are made out of aluminum while the roof and the outer skin on the doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass, that automatically darkens when light shines on the car. BMW says that the concept “is fully suited for everyday traffic” and has a luggage capacity of 150 kg, thats allows the driver and passengers to take along two golf bags.

Furthermore, the rear back rests can be folded down to increase luggage space. The interior is further finished with body-contoured seats (made up of a kevlar shell, a backbone structure, and seat padding with personalized fillings), rear seats anchored on the floor that would appear to be hovering in space, 3-dimensional Head-Up Display and more. Outside, apart from an ultra-futuristic design, it has LED head and taillights as well as overhead doors. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept will be shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show, happening next month. Continue reading to view a high-res image gallery and to watch a 3 minute 48 second-long video.