The idea of a car that combines M3 power with Toyota Prius fuel economy and Audi R8-eclipsing design might sound far-fetched, but BMW claims to have produced just that – introducing the EfficientDynamics Vision Concept…
- The Vision is a 2+2 seater with plug-in hybrid technology – said to combine the performance of a BMW M car with the standard of fuel economy and emission management that exceeds the likes of the most eco-friendly small cars currently available.
- Just like the R8-hunting M1 Homage and form-flipping Gina, the Vision ups the ante in terms of design. But the looks are secondary to the emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight construction, reflective of BMW’s motorsports experience.
- With the extensive use of aluminium in the construction of the Vision’s chassis and suspension, and a special polycarbonate glass (that darkens or lightens according to ambient light) for the roof and outer layer of the large “gullwing” doors, it tips the scales at little 1 400 kg. The Vision measures 4 600 mm in length, is 1 240 mm high and 1 900 mm wide.
- Styling details include F1-derived air deflectors and guide vanes, such as aerodynamically-optimised A-pillars, and taillights with a wing profile.
- Powered by a 1,5-litre, three-cylinder turbodiesel engine mounted amidships and an electric motor on each axle. The Vision develops and overall output of 262 kW and 800 N.m of torque. “Green cars” aren’t exactly known for their performance credentials, but BMW claims the Vision is capable of a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 4,8 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h.
- The interior features a leather-wrapped aluminium gear-selector, lightweight trim, body-contoured Kevlar seat shells and a luggage capacity of 150 dm³.
- Openings around the front air dam guides air through two ducts out the wheel arches for increased stability.
- Rolling resistance is kept to a minimum with 21-inch “blade profile” wheels wrapped in 195/55 rubber, while a completely flat undercarriage is instrumental in achieving the Vision’s drag coefficient of just 0,22 Cd.
- The Vision is claimed to consume just 3,8 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle and emit 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
- The use of Brake Energy Regeneration and storage capacity of 98 lithium polymer cells enables the Vision to cover 50 km in electric mode alone and up to 700 km though hybrid drive.