The concept car BMW Vision
EfficientDynamics created excitement and very positive feedback at the
IAA 2009. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics made it clear that an
emotional sports car with the fuel economy of a small car is no
contradiction, but could soon be reality.
After successful initial testing of the vehicle concept, the decision
for a series-production vehicle was quickly made. The BMW i8 Concept is
the next step in the evolution of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.
The result: The most progressive and innovative sports car of its time.
Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric
drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with
a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164
kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they
allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the
full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel
consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined
with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per
100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the
capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable
performance. Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion
battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8
Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric
power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four
people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully
adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to
deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor
in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are
connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery.
This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits
that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over
their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging
of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
An Icon of Progress – the BMW i8 Concept.
The design of the BMW i8 Concept is as special as the car's overall concept embodying the perfect synthesis of technology and aesthetic allure. Its sweeping lines and flat silhouette lend the vehicle a strikingly dynamic appearance even when standing still. A large, transparent greenhouse lends the exterior an extraordinary feeling of lightness and highlights the exceptional efficiency of this vehicle concept. Short front and rear overhangs round off the sporting overall impression. Despite its dynamic appearance, the 2+2-seater can accommodate four people, giving it a high degree of everyday practicality.
As with the BMW i3 Concept, layering again serves as the central design element of the interior and exterior. The individual vehicle components are also clearly visible from the outside, the black and transparent Life module clearly setting itself apart from the silver-coloured body components around it. This layering approach lends the BMW i8 Concept an extremely technical and cutting-edge appeal.
Taut surfaces and precise edges form an extremely sculptural and organic surface structure. The precise lines along its flanks and BMW i "stream flow" also give the BMW i8 Concept a strong sense of powering forward even when it is standing still. The BMW i8 Concept's doors swing upwards like wings to provide an undeniably emotional and sporting allure. Below the doors, the silver-coloured layer moulds the car's flanks into a powerful wedge shape, opening out from the door sills towards the rear. A blue flourish accentuates the dynamic presence of the sills. Together, the bonnet and door sill sculpting emphasise the BMW i8 Concept's forward-surging stance, and their smooth lines imbue the car with a touch of lightness.
Striking front end.
The BMW i8 Concept also displays its dynamic sports car persona when viewed from the front. A number of different levels interact with one another in the design of the front end, while the expressive surface treatment exudes dynamic verve and advertises the car's sporting potential. The full-LED headlights of the BMW i8 Concept are designed as two U-shaped configurations.
A black, semi-transparent "V" rises out of the bonnet just behind the kidney grille, opening out towards the windscreen and guiding the eye to the electric motor below. The "V" also offers the first glimpse of the CFRP module and extends back towards the rear like a black band to provide a visual connection between the different sections of the car.
Sporty rear end.
Similarly to the front end, the rear of the car is also very low, horizontal and sculptural in design. The silver-coloured side sections form a striking vertical frame around the rear of the car, with a precise line extending out to the sides enjoying particular prominence. In its centre the silver-coloured and blue-framed rear diffuser is a wider and lower interpretation of the version on the BMW i3 Concept, adding a distinct sporting flavour to its relationship with its stablemate.
At the rear, the car's exceptional sporting credentials are also expressed in width-accentuating lines, three-dimensional air outlets and "floating" tail lights with air through-flow. The tail lights, which also have a distinct horizontal design, are integrated into the upper layer of the rear and share the signature U-shape of the BMW i light concept.
The transparent surfaces in the doors and roof give the exterior and interior design of the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of merging into one another. The colour concept and underlying structure of the BMW i8 Concept interior closely mimic those of the BMW i3 Concept. Here again, the Porcelain White support structure, black technical level and comfort section with Mocha Brown leather are split into three different layers. The arrangement of the air vents, control panels and displays also betrays the car's family ties to its BMW i3 Concept sibling. Overall, however, these features have a more sporting character and are geared much more clearly towards the driver. Indeed, a level of driver focus beyond that of any BMW Group vehicle before it allows the BMW i8 Concept to immerse the driver fully in the unique experience behind the wheel. Driver-relevant functions such as the gearshift lever, start-stop button and parking brake are arranged around the driver on the centre console and are graphically strongly geared towards the driving seat as well. The three-dimensional displays are extremely clear and flash up the relevant information for the driving situation at hand. At the same time, occupants in the BMW i8 Concept sit in a highly integrated position low down in the car and are separated by the battery running lengthways through the interior. This longitudinal bisection of the cabin underlines the sporting and forward-looking character of the BMW i8 Concept interior.
Optimum information.
The freestanding information display in the dash is joined by an equally large display taking the role of the instrument cluster. Designing the central instruments in this way enables driver-relevant information to be conveyed in a three-dimensional and high-resolution format. In keeping with BMW i style, the displays are premium, modern and purist. Depending on the driving mode, the two drive systems are depicted by a pair of ellipses, which supply information on their operation at any given time. Other information – such as the available range and fuel level – can be found here, too.
This one is extremely looking one of solid featured sport car. I am truly impressed to see the mind blowing look of BMW i8 concept. It's truly adorable. As the post shows the exclusive features about that one. Thanks for sharing.
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