Main » 2009 » August » 30 » BMW reveals it's Vision EfficientDynamics concept.
BMW reveals it's Vision EfficientDynamics concept.
03:48
BMW just unveiled their latest concept car, the Vision EfficientDynamics. After reading press release, you will understand that this car is using incredible, amazing and before never seen technology.
Concept car produce 350-horsepower and nearly 600 lb-ft of torque. It's turbodiesel and also using two electric motors. BMW says it will be fast as normal M car but will use fuel as much as small cars today. Incredible? I agree with you.
The full press release:
For decades, BMW
has made the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption a key part of
its product development strategy, just as enhancements to the dynamic
ability of each BMW have been a lasting, sustained brand value. BMW’s
EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy – the pursuit of an enhanced,
athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the
consumption and emissions of each vehicle – resulted in the most
dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker from 1990 through
2005, according to an Environmental Defense study.
Now,
the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the
EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a
sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid
technology, this unique car 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. This
outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW
ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine,
and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.
BMW
Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a “clean-sheet” development
process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas
of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW
Vision EfficientDynamics is the most comprehensive implementation of
the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a
top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100
km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is
3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission
rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more
outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the
battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation
of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s
emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.
Through
this unique balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency, the BMW
Vision EfficientDynamics concept car clearly demonstrates the potential
of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, which makes its world debut at the 2009
Frankfurt Motor Show in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7
production models.
The
power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient
3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each axle. The
intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely
controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic
performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356
horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of
the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in
all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious
transmission of the power available under all conditions.
In
its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for the first time conveys the
dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with
decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car
is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic
efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on
both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on
transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.
Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output.
The
combustion engine is a cutting-edge turbodiesel featured for the first
time in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. Displacing 1.5
liters on three cylinders, the engine consistently follows the
downsizing principle of using a relatively small engine combined with a
turbocharger to reduce fuel consumption.
Through
its compact dimensions, the 3-cylinder fits conveniently in front of
the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car, despite the two
seats at the rear. 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.
The
specific output of 109 hp per liter sets a new benchmark in diesel
technology. The power delivered by the turbodiesel is conveyed to the
rear axle by means of a double-clutch transmission (DCT). This advanced
transmission technology, which already offers a particularly dynamic
driving experience in BMW’s M3 and Z4 Roadster, allows the driver to
shift gears without the slightest interruption of power. BMW Vision
EfficientDynamics features a newly-developed version of BMW’s DCT with
six speeds for maximum efficiency and flexibility.
Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive. The
combustion engine is supplemented by two electric motors. Consistently
applying the BMW ActiveHybrid philosophy, development engineers
followed the principle of “Best of Hybrid,” choosing the optimum
combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a
full-hybrid system at the rear.
In
this concept, the driver benefits from the efficiency of the electric
motors over a far wider speed range than with a conventional hybrid
car. The rear axle comes with a second-generation full-hybrid system
corresponding to the technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production
model. The compact electric motor positioned between the diesel engine
and the DCT outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a
peak of up to 51 hp. 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 electric energy developed in
this way is therefore captured without any additional consumption of
fuel through the principle of Brake Energy Regeneration. Energy wasted
on the brakes of a conventional car is thus saved within the new power
system for subsequent use in driving the car.
A
second electric motor acts on the front axle. This engine, a hybrid
synchronous motor, offers 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 transmitted 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. This principle ensures efficient energy management, with the
charge status of the lithium-polymer battery constantly remaining
within the optimum range. When accelerating, the electric motors help
to boost the car for even greater performance, ensuring immediate
response and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. 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.
Lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.
The
energy cells featured in BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are housed in a
chassis element running from front to rear through the middle of the
car. The front unit is the lithium-polymer complex, an ongoing
development of the lithium-ion battery. Overall, BMW Vision
EfficientDynamics comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells, each
offering a capacity of 30 amp/hours and developing continuous output of
600 Amps at a voltage of 3.7 V. For a period of 30 seconds, each cell
is even able to develop maximum output of 1,200 Amps.
Serial
arrangement of the lithium-polymer cells serves to generate nominal
voltage of 364 volts, the gross storage capacity of the battery is 10.8
kW/h. With an unusually high discharge capacity of 80 percent, the
battery delivers 8.6 kW/h for driving the car. This superior
performance comes on overall weight of the entire energy storage system
of just 187 lb. A further advantage is that through their optimum
dimensions tailored to the specific qualities and features of the car,
the lithium-polymer cells, together with the operating strategy chosen
with a concept of “forward looking” energy management, reduces the
thermal load acting on the battery to such an extent that there is no
need for active cooling.
Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.
Brake
Energy Regeneration captures electric power generated while driving
without additional fuel consumption, which is subsequently used to
supply power to the electric motors and on-board network. A further
option is to connect the lithium-polymer cells to a conventional power
socket for a simple and efficient charge process, using a plug-in
connector in the front-right wing of the car. Connected to a standard
EU power outlet (220 V, 16 Amps), the system requires a maximum of 2 ½
hours to fully charge the lithium-polymer cells. And wherever a power
source with higher voltage and amperage (380 V, 32 Amps) is available,
the charge time is an even shorter 44 minutes.
In
addition to electrical energy storage, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
comes with a conventional fuel tank at the rear end of the central
chassis tunnel, offering a capacity of 6.6 gallons. Running on diesel
fuel alone, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to cover a distance of
approximately 400 miles with its combustion engine. Benefitting from an
extra range of up to 31 miles in the all-electric mode, the car offers
an overall range of approximately 431 miles. As a result, this unique
concept car offers all the requirements for using energy with maximum
efficiency and at the same time experiencing the dynamic performance
typical of BMW without any restriction of everyday driving qualities.
Performance, fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.
The
power delivered by the two electric motors and single diesel 3-cylinder
engine gives the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept a level of
performance superior to anything provided so far by a hybrid vehicle.
Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h, for example, comes in just
4.8 seconds and the car could exceed its electronically-limited 155 mph
top speed.
At
the same time fuel efficiency and emission management now reach a
standard only achieved, if at all, by far less powerful small cars
conceived for city traffic and short distances. Applying the criteria
of the EU test cycle, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics offers average fuel
consumption equal to 62.6 mpg. CO2 emissions, in turn, are 99 grams per
kilometer. These consumption and emission figures are measured on a
consistent internal power balance, meaning that the batteries and
storage media for electrical energy maintain the same charge level
throughout the entire test cycle (with the same level at the beginning
and end) and are charged while driving only by the car’s on-board
systems.
As
a plug-in hybrid, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to cover the
entire drive cycle for measuring fuel consumption also with its
combustion engine completely switched off. Then, to subsequently charge
the lithium-polymer cells to the same status as when setting off, all
the driver has to do is connect the car to an external power grid. To
determine the consumption of electric power, the only requirement is to
compare the charge level of the battery before and after the test
cycle. Applying this measurement process, the BMW Vision
EfficientDynamics concept car consumes 17.5 kW/h per 100 kilometers,
equal to a CO2 emission rating of just 50 grams per kilometer in the EU
test cycle.
To
determine the total volume of CO2 emissions when driving in the
all-electric mode, new legal standards for measuring the level of fuel
consumption are currently being prepared for hybrid and electric cars
with a plug-in power supply. Applying this calculation method, the CO2
emission ratings generated by BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are reduced
further to just one-third of the original figure of 99 grams per
kilometer. Clearly, this significant reduction of emissions opens up a
new dimension in BMW’s EfficientDynamics development strategy in this
unique concept car. Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW’s Motorsport experience.
BMW
Vision EfficientDynamics also takes a new approach in its design and
streamlining, the body and the interior clearly expressing the unique
combination of supreme efficiency and the sporting performance of the
brand. Following BMW’s design language, this concept car visualizes
both highly efficient aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight
construction.
In
its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics differs from the usual
low-emission car concepts. The principle of “form follows function” is
not just for the overall look of the car, but embraces each and every
detail. Measuring 48.8" in height and boasting a sweeping, arch-like
roofline, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics offers the slender silhouette of
a classic Gran Turismo. With the combustion engine fitted in front of
the rear axle, the designers have succeeded in giving the car 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. This efficient function follows in the
footsteps of the active air flap control already used as a feature of
BMW EfficientDynamics in some of BMW’s current production models. As a
further highlight, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics guides air smoothly and
exactly as required into the car through an active air intake at the
front.
Numerous
details in the design of the body are based on the know-how BMW has
gained in Motorsport, a number of body elements serving as air
deflectors and guide vanes. 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. 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. This air jet rests on the front wheels like a curtain and is
therefore referred to most appropriately as the “air curtain.” It
provides a highly stabilizing effect.
Overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
To
further optimize the aerodynamic qualities of the entire vehicle and
keep rolling resistance to a minimum, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
comes with tires and wheels of quite unusual size on a sports car. The
tires measure 195/55, while large 21-inch wheels provide a contact
surface on the road otherwise offered only by a much wider tire. In
combination with the sophisticated axle geometry, this ensures agile
driving behavior.
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. In all, these features optimizing the
aerodynamic qualities of the car give the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
concept car a very low drag factor (CX) of just 0.22.
Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.
In
both exterior and interior design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics stands
out clearly as a strong spearhead in technology. Many components of the
vehicle are presented in full view expressing the “transparent”
character of the car as a powerful visual feature of lightweight
technology. The chassis and suspension of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
are made completely of aluminum; the roof and the outer skin on the
doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass
automatically darkening as a function of the light shining on the car.
Measuring
181.1" in length, 74.8" in width and 48.8" in height, this unique
concept car offers ample space for up to four passengers and their
luggage. Thanks to the consistent lightweight construction strategy
applied on the car, curb weight is 3,076 lb, with the center of gravity
remaining very low. In its power-to-weight ratio, the BMW Vision
EfficientDynamics concept car is far superior to all other hybrid cars,
achieving the same standard as extremely dynamic sports cars with a
conventional combustion engine.
Carrying
a maximum payload of 981 lb, this unique 2+2-seater is fully suited for
everyday traffic. Luggage capacity of 5.3 cu ft, in turn, allows the
driver and passengers to conveniently take along two golf bags. And to
meet additional loading requirements the backrests of the two rear
seats may be tilted down individually to provide extra storage space.
Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.
Reflecting
the innovative drive concept of this unique car, the design of BMW
Vision EfficientDynamics likewise takes a new approach in combining
functional progress with a most powerful emotional impact.
This
has been achieved through the close cooperation of BMW’s Design and
Technical Development Divisions starting at an early point and
continuing consistently throughout the entire development process. The
result is a brand-new vehicle architecture with the drive components as
well as the body and interior elements perfectly coordinated and
matched to one another with maximum flexibility and individual style.
A
fully integrated design philosophy also provided new options in using
harmonized design principles connecting the exterior and the interior
and providing an interacting effect between the two areas.
Sculptural
design language giving BMW Vision EfficientDynamics a fully harmonized,
complete look ensures the proportions typical of a BMW sports car. The
front, side, rear and roof areas, for example, flow smoothly into one
another. Dynamically contoured surfaces and shapes, in turn, create
highly attractive light and shade effects accentuating the light and
sporting character of the car in an emotional manner.
Layering
technology developed by the BMW Group Design Division acts as the
fundamental guideline in designing the exterior and interior. Applied
for the first time in exterior design, this technology layers one
surface on top of the other, creating very smooth seams and joints to
reduce the number of components and, accordingly, the weight of the
car. As a result, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics meets the most demanding
aerodynamic requirements without using any additional body elements,
simply through the structure of the surfaces optimized for a smooth
flow of air.
Interior: innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver.
In
the design of the interior, innovative layering technology provides an
unprecedented symbiosis of function and stylish shapes intentionally
reduced to a minimum, consistently implementing and visualizing the
lightweight principle also inside the car.
Specific
components such as the central air vent not only serving to enhance
motoring comfort but also acting as part of the cockpit, perform
several functions in one. This multi-functionality is then presented
visibly within the car, the use of particularly sophisticated materials
providing a highly attractive combination of innovation in technology
and quality clear to the eye and the touch of the surface.
This
interaction of lightweight construction and individual well-being also
comes out clearly in the design of the controls and switches, with a
leather band, for example, running round the aluminum gear selector
lever on the center console. Materials combining lightweight technology
and all the qualities required are also to be admired all round the
cockpit of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, giving the car an unusually
generous feeling of space for a 2+2-seater. 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, sophisticated and sustainability-oriented atmosphere within the
passenger compartment.
The
instrument panel is deliberately padded only where technical components
have to be appropriately covered, thus making an important contribution
to passenger safety in the event of a collision. The instrument cluster
played a fundamental role right from the start in the design process,
serving as the starting point for all surfaces within the interior and
thus creating a particularly powerful rendition of that driver
orientation typical of BMW.
Innovative
light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering
soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.
LED
lights at both the front and rear end of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
provide an innovative combination of the symbols typical of the brand
and clear design language oriented towards trendsetting technology. The
distinctive look of the dual round headlights characteristic of a BMW
is emphasized in particular by the use of LED technology. The rear
lights are integrated also in their function into the design of the
entire rear section, forming part of the rear air deflector and thus
merging completely into the rear contour.
Extremely
flat and compact, the rear lights are made up of innovative LED units
forming a smooth and consistent red surface when not in use. Only when
used do the respective light chambers take on the appropriate color
such as yellow on the direction indicators. This innovative light
technology also provides an intense symbiosis of the exterior and
interior, again promoting and further refining the driving experience.
This
is also why the ambient illumination of the interior comes with new
features and qualities, the light sources within the passenger
compartment being fed from the positioning lights at the side, the rear
lights and the brake lights, thus changing the atmosphere created by
the lights within the car as a function of driving conditions.
The
optical impression conveyed by BMW Vision EfficientDynamics also
results in other areas from the symbiosis of the exterior and interior,
eliminating the conventional barriers between the two. The lines within
the interior, for example, continue on to the innovative design of the
engine compartment lid, while in its shape the third brake light
positioned higher up on the car follows the structure of the glass roof
and tapers to the outside where the roofline moves down gently to the
rear.
Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats.
The
doors on BMW Vision EfficientDynamics open up like bird’s wings,
turning on pivots in the front roof column at the level of the side
direction indicators. Since the car has no B-pillars, the large door
cutouts ensure convenient entry also to the rear seats. The pivots on
the doors also provide the base for the exterior mirrors, thus forming
an ideal combination of function and aesthetic design. The structure of
the doors is also characterized by several layers of materials on top
of one another and the optical and functional symbiosis of the interior
and exterior this technology is able to offer. Made up of three layers,
the overall structure comprises the outer glass surface, an interim
load-bearing layer, and the interior cover with its particularly smooth
shapes and fl owing forms clearly visible to the passengers, layering
technology again, therefore, opening up new perspectives.
The
large glass surfaces extending far down on the body also provide a
strong optical impression of the low seating position close to the
road. And at the same time a stable sidebar ensures the body stiffness
and crash safety naturally required on every vehicle. Flowing to the
inside at its central point, this safety element also serves as an
armrest. This interplay of the three layers also helping to minimize
the weight of the car continues on the trim bar running along the door
and extending out of the armrest, finally flowing into the outer door
opener on its path from inside to outside.
Clear focus on the essential: 3-dimensional Head-Up Display.
Layering
technology is also used on the displays in the instrument cluster and
in the Head-Up Display developed to an even higher standard on BMW’s
new concept car. The Display now creates a powerful impression of three
dimensions, at the same time providing the option to present various
signals more in the front or more in the background, depending on their
relevance and current driving conditions.
The
Head-Up Display projects information important to the driver on to the
windscreen. Indeed, innovative presentation technology even allows the
superimposed presentation of several views in three dimensions,
keeping, the gauge graphics visible in the background while the latest
information on route guidance or warning signals from BMW Night Vision,
for example, are shown in the foreground.
The
sequence in which such signals appear depends on the driving mode
chosen by the driver, the display technology, again depending on the
driver’s personal preference, enhancing a particularly sporting, a more
comfort oriented, or an efficiency-based style of motoring. Through its
design alone, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car clearly
shows that highly efficient individual mobility may by all means be
presented in emotional style. BMW already offers models in all vehicle
segments which, compared with the competition, ensure the lowest level
of fuel consumption and emissions combined with superior power and
performance.
And
now BMW Vision EfficientDynamics confirms BMW’s commitment to offer a
perfect combination in future of unique driving pleasure and optimum
qualities in the responsible use of natural resources.
In
the design process the need for sustainable management is borne out
most clearly by the GINA (Geometry and Functions in N-fold
Augmentation) concept developed by the BMW Group. In this case maximum
creative freedom sets the foundation for innovative solutions
challenging the conventional and meeting the requirements of the
future. This makes the GINA principle particularly well-suited for
developing visions for the future reflecting both the wish for
emotional style and individual character as well as the quest for
sustainable management and efficiency. From the dimensions of its
wheels through the design of the rear lights and all the way to the
configuration of the cockpit, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
therefore boasts a number of details both outside and inside which,
going far beyond conventional solutions, open up a new approach to
maximum efficiency and that Dynamic ability typical of BMW.
Forward-looking energy management adjusting to individual requirements.
With
the individual system components on board BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
being networked with one another, conditions are perfect for
implementing a forward-looking system of energy management using
information gathered by the sensors of the driver assistance units
fitted in the car. Data provided, for example, by the rain sensor or
Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function as well as by the
navigation system, and subsequently evaluated by the central control
unit, offers an overview of current and upcoming driving conditions.
Then, evaluating such data, the on-board computer is able to forecast
driving conditions on the stretch of road immediately ahead, such
calculations serving to prepare the car for upcoming requirements and
make efficient use of the energy available through optimum operation of
all systems.
Should
the high-performance central computer establish, for example, that the
driver is about to take the motorway, the power used for running the
cooling system is reduced for a certain period in advance, on the
assumption that the short increase in coolant temperature resulting
from such an energy-saving measure will quickly be set off by the
higher speed of the car on the motorway. Another example of such
pre-conditioning is the regeneration of energy from the air
conditioning, from Electronic Power Steering and the Brake Assistant.
BMW Group In America BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.The BMW Group in the United States
has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service
organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including
motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars;
DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.BMW
Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global
manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all
X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S.
through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 84 MINI
passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
FinalCorner is website about cars, launched in late July 2009. FinalCorner is website that offers you everything about cars - news, pictures and videos. Still, we have plans for future, like forum.