The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept. BMW Group automobiles and motorcycles inspire more people around the world today than ever before. Courtesy of BMW Group

Frankfurt a.M. / Munich, Germany - July 29, 2011

The BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility in the shape of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies.

Unveiled for the first time, these concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014.

The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept. BMW Group automobiles and motorcycles inspire more people around the world today than ever before. Courtesy of BMW Group

“We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at Friday’s premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt.
“As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added.

The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 kilometres, the BMW i3 Concept has been specifically developed for use in an urban environment, its dynamic 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensuring BMW-style dynamic handling.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Thanks to its innovative LifeDrive architecture featuring a carbon passenger cell, the BMW i3 Concept combines an extremely low weight of 1,250 kilograms with optimal interior space and the highest crash safety levels.

Launch of the new subbrand BMW i, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. Courtesy of BMW Group

With four seats and a 200-litre luggage compartment, this vehicle is fully suited for everyday use.

Draeger: a revolution in car design

“This vehicle will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon. It’s a revolution in automotive design,” stressed Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board responsible for Development.

Launch of the new subbrand BMW i, Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. Courtesy of BMW Group

The application of this new CFRP technology allows a weight reduction, compared to a conventional electric car, of between 250 and 350 kilos, and that means more dynamic handling coupled with a greater range.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

The BMW i3 does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in less than eight seconds, while a high-speed charger achieves an 80% battery charge in just an hour.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Thanks to the emission-free drivetrain and a value added chain designed to be sustainable all along the line, life cycle emission figures for the BMW i3 are at least a third lower than for a highly efficient combustion-engine car.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

If the BMW i3 is run on electricity from renewable sources, the figures improve by well over 50%.

BMW i8 Concept: new-generation sports car

The BMW i8 Concept goes from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and boasts fuel consumption of under three litres per 100 km.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Its plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 35 kilometres in electric mode – sufficient for most everyday journeys.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

For more dynamic driving or out-of-town routes, a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine also comes into play.

The BMW i3 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

The sports car has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h and space for up to four occupants.

The BMW i3 Concept - interior. Courtesy of BMW Group

“The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable,” Draeger underlined.

The BMW i3 dynamic, high-performance electric motor offers an entirely new level of emission-free driving pleasure. Electric motors can rev much higher than combustion engines, achieving RPMs of more than 12,000 without strain. Courtesy of BMW Group

With BMW i, the BMW Group is corroborating its position as the most innovative and sustainable auto manufacturer in the world, as reflected in the fact that it has been the supersector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the sixth year running.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

With BMW i, the BMW Group is providing answers to the mobility challenges of the future while pursuing a holistic approach.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

In addition to purpose-built premium vehicles with electric drive, the company is also offering intelligent mobility services.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

The focus here is on solutions for improved use of parking space, intelligent navigation systems with location-based information, intermodal route planning and car-sharing schemes such as DriveNow.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Following MyCityWay, ParkatmyHouse marks the second investment by the recently launched venture capital company BMW i Ventures in a company providing internet-based mobility services.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Parkatmyhouse allows private individuals to use the internet or smartphone app to rent out their private parking spaces on a short- or long-term basis.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Both the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

Some 400 million euros are earmarked for investment in new buildings and facilities by 2013, while 800 new jobs are to be created.

The BMW i8 Concept – interior. Courtesy of BMW Group

Vehicle production will be CO2 neutral and will draw on renewable resources.

The BMW i8 Concept – interior. Courtesy of BMW Group

The company is currently investigating the possibility of erecting its own wind turbines on the plant site.

The BMW i8 Concept. Courtesy of BMW Group

For questions please contact:

Corporate and Governmental Affairs

Tobias Hahn
Technology Communications
Telephone: +49-89-382-60816
Fax: +49-89-382-60816

Ralph Huber
Head of Technology Communications
Telephone: +49-89-382-68778
Fax: +49-89-382-28567

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com  
e-mail: presse@bmwgroup.com  
www.bmw-i.com  



The BMW Group


The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands.

Dr.-Ing. E.h. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG - Born in 1956 - 1991 - 1994 Director of the Body-in-White Production Division - 1994 - 1997 Technical Director BMW South Africa - 1997 - 2000 President BMW Manufacturing Corporation, USA (South Carolina) - 2000 - 2006 Member of the Board of Management; Production - Since 1 September 2006 Chairman of the Board of Management Courtesy of BMW Group

As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide.

BMW Group head office in Munich, Germany. Courtesy of BMW Group

The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion.

At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action.

The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.


Source: BMW AG

http://www.bmwgroup.com/bmwgroup_prod/e/nav/index.html  



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http://www.bmw-i-usa.com/en_us/bmw-i8/  


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