BMW's concept double-play at Geneva
Visionary roadster and all-electric 1 Series prepare to steal to limelight at next month's Geneva International Motor ShowBMW will premier two new concepts at next month's Geneva International Motor Show.
Example one, dubbed BMW Vision ConnectedDrive, is a concept study that takes the form of a two-seat roadster. Vision combines BMW's latest design and technological innovations to display the potential of its current and future technology.
The body's classic roadster proportions employ a 'layering' design principal to "demonstrate the bond between the driver, passenger, vehicles and surrounding environment".
The same theme is continued inside where three layers denote comfort, safety and infotainment. Vision ConnectedDrive visualises this process through the use of a complex fibre optic light installation which shows the path of data exchange with the driver and passenger as the start and end point of each interaction – although we'll have to wait until the show opens to see this is action.
Vision ConnectedDrive's front and rear lights use integrated sensors to monitor traffic and the immediate environment feeding necessary information to the driver via a three-dimensional head-up display for appropriate action. Externally, sliding doors, inspired by those on the BMW Z1, disappear in to the body of the car to allow Vision to be driven with the doors open.
The second model to debut at Geneva is an all-electric plug-in version of the BMW 1 Series Coupé named ActiveE.
As the second electric vehicle to be created by the BMW Group, ActiveE offers accommodation for four passengers and 200-litres of luggage with the car's fully electric drivetrain and lithium-ion battery pack cleverly packaged into 1 Series' existing architecture.
Powered by a synchronous electric motor developing 125kW/250Nm, ActiveE can accelerate from 0-100km/h in nine seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 145km/h. Typical to BMW's renowned driving dynamics, ActiveE boasts a low centre of gravity and optimal 50:50 weight distribution.
For the first time in a BMW Group electric vehicle the BMW ActiveE features an 'intermediate position' for the accelerator pedal that results in the car's own kinetic energy being used to move forward, without consuming energy from the batteries. In essence it is a 'gliding' mode. Like most EVs, ActiveE regenerates electricity when coasting and braking which BMW says can increase the cars range by as much as 20 per cent.
To further increase the range of the BMW ActiveE ECO PRO Mode can be selected whereby the drive configuration and comfort functions are modified to use less energy and facilitate a more efficient driving style. In ECO PRO mode the heating and air conditioning system are programmed to use less energy and the accelerator demands less power with the same travel.
BMW ActiveE is charged via a 32-amp wallbox in five hours, or overnight from a conventional domestic socket.
A fleet of more than 1000 BMW ActiveE vehicles will be trialled in the US, Eurpoer and China from this year with feedback used to further develop the BMW Megacity which is due to commence production in 2013.
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