Leaked BMW patent is real deal
Patent images leaked genuine, but instead of an H2 fuel cell vehicle, sources says it’s an ultra-aerodynamic plug-in petrolImages leaked last week of what was thought to be a top-secret hydrogen fuel cell vehicle have been confirmed as real by a source close to BMW, according to a new report.
The source, speaking to Brit mag, Autocar, confirmed the images were real but denied they were of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
Instead, it’s claimed, the pictures are of a new four-seat plug-in petrol electric hybrid that will average just 0.4L/100km while emitting just 10g/km of CO2.
Powered by a front-mounted 1.0-litre twin-cylinder petrol engine, the secret concept is said to hit 100km/h, from standstill, in less than seven seconds and top out at 180km/h.
Weighing in at around 1150kg, the new car is claimed to weigh 135kg less than the current i3 and have extensive use of carbonfibre-reinforced plastics in its construction.
It’s also claimed to have a drag coefficient of just 0.18 -- even less than Volkswagen’s XL1 coupe that’s thought to have been an inspiration for the unnamed BMW concept.
Unlike the XL1, the coupe will have four seats and decent boot volume of 348 litres -- almost three times the size of the XL1, according to Autocar.
The new BMW concept is also said to have new batteries that have both a significantly improved energy density and shortened charging times -- although it’s not known how exactly this is achieved.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
