BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept | Concept Cars

CONCEPT CARS / STRANGE VEHICLES / SPORTS CARS / BOATS & SUBS

Home > Concept cars > BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

Make	BMW
Model	Vision EfficientDynamics
Concept year	2009
Production year	-
Engine	hybrid

The Vision Efficient-Dynamics Concept is the future of BMW design.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is a 2+2 sports car which epitomizes BMW's latest design philosophy of lightweight, high performance and lower emissions. The concept was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It also paved the way for the production BMW i8 supercar.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept offers the performance potential of a BMW M vehicle, but also a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds the current levels achieved by the latest compact cars. This is due to the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

Drivetrain
The hybrid drivetrain of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept features a 1.5 litre, three-cylinder turbodiesel engine which is located just forward of the rear axle. Fuel is injected by the latest generation of High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable intake geometry for maximum efficiency. Engine output is 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. Power from the turbodiesel engine is delivered to the rear axle through a double-clutch transmission (DCT).

The engine is complimented by a pair of electric motors. At the rear one compact electric motor is located between the diesel engine and the transmission. This motor develops a consistent 33 horsepower but is able to reach a peak of up to 51 hp over short bursts. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 214 lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring. When coasting or applying the brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator and feeds electric power to the lithium-polymer battery in the car.

The second electric motor drives the front wheels. This motor is a hybrid synchronous motor which offers a continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second "burst," the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower. The power is channeled through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to run completely under electric power, with the power of the turbodiesel engine alone, or through an infinite combination of the three power sources. Depending on driving conditions, the two electric motors may be used both for accelerating and for regenerating energy when applying the brakes and while coasting. For a short time, such as in passing maneuvers, the cumulative maximum output of all three engines increases to 356 hp, with maximum torque generated by the three engines reaching 590 lb-ft.

With this potent hybrid drivetrain the concept can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.8 seconds, and go on to an electronically-limited 155 mph top speed.

Exterior Design
To further improve the performance and efficiency of the Vision EfficiencyDynamics concept, BMW's designers and engineers spent a great deal of time optimizing the bodywork for minimal drag. The use of lightweight materials such as aluminium for the chassis and carbon fibre for the bodywork serve to improve the power-to-weight ratio and reduce fuel consumption.

Numerous details in the design of the body are based on the experience's BMW has gathered in Motorsport. Designed as ducts, for example, the A-pillars serve to channel the flow of air in the same way as the rear lights with their wing profile. The floor of the car is fully covered from front to rear and from one side to the other, thus maintaining a smooth surface to avoid any air swirl liable to increase fuel consumption.

The 21" wheels have themselves been designed to offer minimal drag and air resistance. The extra-large wheel covers extending over part of the tire flanks add to the unique, very different look of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics from the side. The blade profile integrated in the wheels serves furthermore to reduce the negative effect of the turning wheels on the overall aerodynamics of the car.

Interior Design
The interior design of the BMW Vision EfficientDyanmics Concept follows the same principle of lightweight efficiency as the exterior.

The body-contoured seats, for example, are made up of a kevlar shell, a backbone structure, and seat padding with personalized fillings. Clearly, this combination alone ensures comfort at a minimum weight. The driver's and front passenger's seats are connected firmly to the center console to form a joint interior "landscape", while the rear seats anchored on the floor would appear to be hovering in space. Natural materials and light colors on the seat upholstery and all interior linings underline the light and sophisticated atmosphere within the passenger compartment.