Vision ED concept "not dead"
BMW's backroom boys are pushing to get eco-supercar into productionThe boys in lab coats at BMW are pushing hard to get the marque's stunning Vision EfficientDynamics hybrid super sportscar into production.
Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the three-cylinder turbodiesel series hybrid is the subject of heated discussion within BMW's ranks as a 'will we or won't we' battle goes on regarding series production.
"For sure it is possible to produce the Vision EfficientDynamics," a BMW insider told the Carsales Network at this week's F10 5 Series international launch in Portugal on the proviso of anonymity.
"There are many of our engineers who want to see the car on the road. There is no decision made on whether it will be produced yet. But I can say firmly it is not dead."
The radically styled Vision ED features an all-new 1.5-litre common-rail three-cylinder turbodiesel matched to a pure electric drivetrain. It is in effect BMW's own high-performance take on a modern plug-in range-extended battery vehicle.
"Vision EfficientDynamics was not built as a preview to a new generation of BMW sportscars or as a calling card for Efficient Dynamics. It was built as both.
"Its very high aerodynamic efficiency is real and not theory. We can build this car for the road if we get the go ahead," our insider opined.
The three-cylinder diesel engine is almost certain to see production, though not necessarily in such a radical vehicle.
"The three-cylinder engine, if we proceed with it, will be very much a BMW powerplant -- with all the characteristic of a BMW engine."
BMW characterizes a wide range of its technologies under the Efficient Dynamics label. Examples include the smart charging systems it (incorrectly) labels Brake Energy Regeneration on its current passenger car range, and other features such as electric power steering, low rolling resistance tyres and active aerodynamics (Air vent Control).
"Efficient Dynamics is not a tick box for our projects [new models]. It is an attitude that is across the whole BMW business and embedded within our processes," the insider opined.
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