BMW I3 WALLPARERS: July 2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

BMW i8 Concept

BMW's showdown continues with the presentation of its i8 Concept, a plug-in hybrid sports coupe that joins the i3 pure-electric hatchback to form the first models of the Bavarian firm's i sub-brand.

The i8 Concept is a further development of the 2009 Vision Efficient Dynamics study and it opens the way for a production model, which is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.

The sportiest member of the i series models combines the modified electric drive system from the i3 Concept, but this time fitted over its front axle instead of the rear, with a high-performance, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine (in place of the Vision ED's diesel unit) developing 220HP (164kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb.ft) at the rear.

The gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to motivate the front wheels.

Working in tandem, the two drive systems produce a combined output of 349-horses and 550Nm (405.6 lb.ft) of peak torque offering coupe model a 0-100km/h (62mph) acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

At the same time, BMW says the i8 returns an impressive combined fuel economy in the European cycle of 2.7 liters per 100km (approx. 87mpg US or 104mpg UK).

The i8's electric motor is fed by a large lithium-ion battery, which can be fully charged from a domestic power supply in 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering a pure electric driving range of up to 35 km (approx. 20 miles).
BMW says the positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution, while the extensive use of lightweight materials including aluminum on the chassis and CFRP (carbonfibre reinforced plastic) on the body, help keep the weight down to 1,480kg or 3,262 pounds.
The i8 is a 2+2 seater and measures 4,632mm long, 1,280 mm tall and 1,955 wide. The concept model will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

PHOTO GALLERY

Video: Two Girls, a Red Ferrari F430, a Parking Job

It's become something of spectator sport over in Europe and chiefly in London: people equipped with a handy cam waiting for a hot car to pass by to record it and upload the video on Youtube.

As with anything else in life, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it does not and our amateur producers are left with a bitter taste in the mouth.
This particular video sent in by one of our readers caught our attention mainly due to the fact that there were two young females in the red Ferrari F430 and to a lesser extent, the rather mediocre parking job. If you have a few minutes to spare, watch it after the jump.

VIDEO

All-New BMW 1-Series Hatch Prices

The bosses over at BMW's British division have released pricing on the second-generation 1-series hatchback before it goes on sale in the UK on September 17, 2011.

The redesigned five-door hatchback will launch with a choice of three diesel and two petrol engines, with on-the-road prices starting from £19,375 for a 116i ES rising to £24,720 for a 120d Urban or a 120d Sport.
The new 1er is 83mm longer, 14mm wider and 30mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor, with BMW saying it offers increased cabin dimensions and greater interior comfort.
In addition, 2012 1-Series has 30 litres more luggage space compared to its forerunner, for a total capacity of 360 litres, which can be increased to a maximum of 1,200-litres by lowering the rear seats.
There are five available engines at launch, all turbocharged. The petrol lineup includes a 1.6-liter unit delivering 136HP in the 116i for a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a combined fuel consumption of 49.6mpg UK, and 170HP in the 118i (0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, 47.9mpg UK).
The diesel range comprises of a 2.0-liter turbo diesel available in three flavors with 116HP in the 116d, 143HP in the 118d, and 184HP in the 120d.
All models are rear-wheel drive and available transmissions include a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic.
BMW UK said it expects to sell approximately 20,000 1 Series five-door models in its first full year on sale.