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For decades, BMW has made the reduction of emissions and fuel
consumption a key part of its product development strategy, just as
enhancements to the dynamic ability of each BMW have been a lasting,
sustained brand value. BMW's EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy -
the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while
simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle -
resulted in the most dramatic drop in fleet consumption of any automaker
from 1990 through 2005, according to an Environmental Defense study.
Now, the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the
EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a
sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid
technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle
with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds
even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This
outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW
ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine,
and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the result of a "clean-sheet"
development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in
the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional
design. BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the most comprehensive
implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The
powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with
acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the
EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the
CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management
is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after
charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the
generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula,
the car's emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.
Through this unique balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency, the
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car clearly demonstrates the potential of
BMW ActiveHybrid technology, which makes its world debut at the 2009
Frankfurt Motor Show in the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and BMW 7 ActiveHybrid
production models.
The power and performance are made possible by combining a
fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each
axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with
precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the
dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output
is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement
of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving
in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious
transmission of the power available under all conditions.
In its design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept for the first time conveys
the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with
decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car
is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic
efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on
both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on
transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.
Turbodiesel
engine with unprecedented specific output.
The combustion engine is a cutting-edge turbodiesel featured for the
first time in the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car. Displacing 1.5
liters on three cylinders, the engine consistently follows the
downsizing principle of using a relatively small engine combined with a
turbocharger to reduce fuel consumption.
Through its compact dimensions, the 3-cylinder fits conveniently in
front of the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car, despite
the two seats at the rear. Fuel is injected by the latest generation of
High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable
intake geometry for maximum efficiency. Engine output is 163 hp with
peak torque of 214 lb-ft.
The specific output of 109 hp per liter sets a new benchmark in diesel
technology. The power delivered by the turbodiesel is conveyed to the
rear axle by means of a double-clutch transmission (DCT). This advanced
transmission technology, which already offers a particularly dynamic
driving experience in BMW's M3 and Z4 Roadster, allows the driver to
shift gears without the slightest interruption of power. BMW
EfficientDynamics Concept features a newly-developed version of BMW's
DCT with six speeds for maximum efficiency and flexibility.
Two electric
motors for full-hybrid drive.
The combustion engine is supplemented by two electric motors.
Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid philosophy, development
engineers followed the principle of "Best of Hybrid," choosing the
optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and
a full-hybrid system at the rear.
In this concept, the driver benefits from the efficiency of the electric
motors over a far wider speed range than with a conventional hybrid car.
The rear axle comes with a second-generation full-hybrid system
corresponding to the technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production
model. The compact electric motor positioned between the diesel engine
and the DCT outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a
peak of up to 51 hp. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 214
lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric
motoring. When coasting or applying the brakes, the electric motor acts
as a generator and feeds electric power to the lithium-polymer battery
in the car. The electric energy developed in this way is therefore
captured without any additional consumption of fuel through the
principle of Brake Energy Regeneration. Energy wasted on the brakes of a
conventional car is thus saved within the new power system for
subsequent use in driving the car.
A second electric motor acts on the front axle. This engine, a hybrid
synchronous motor, offers continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak
torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a
period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second "burst," the electric
motor is able to develop 139 horsepower. The power is transmitted
through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox.
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is able to run completely under electric
power, with the power of the turbodiesel engine alone, or through an
infinite combination of the three power sources. Depending on driving
conditions, the two electric motors may be used both for accelerating
and for regenerating energy when applying the brakes and while coasting.
This principle ensures efficient energy management, with the charge
status of the lithium-polymer battery constantly remaining within the
optimum range. When accelerating, the electric motors help to boost the
car for even greater performance, ensuring immediate response and a
significant reduction in fuel consumption. For a short time, such as in
passing maneuvers, the cumulative maximum output of all three engines
increases to 356 hp, with maximum torque generated by the three engines
reaching 590 lb-ft.
Lithium-polymer
battery for electrical energy.
The energy cells featured in BMW EfficientDynamics Concept are housed in
a chassis element running from front to rear through the middle of the
car. The front unit is the lithium-polymer complex, an ongoing
development of the lithium-ion battery. Overall, BMW EfficientDynamics
Concept comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells, each offering a
capacity of 30 amp/hours and developing continuous output of 600 Amps at
a voltage of 3.7 V. For a period of 30 seconds, each cell is even able
to develop maximum output of 1,200 Amps.
Serial arrangement of the lithium-polymer cells serves to generate
nominal voltage of 364 volts, the gross storage capacity of the battery
is 10.8 kW/h. With an unusually high discharge capacity of 80 percent,
the battery delivers 8.6 kW/h for driving the car. This superior
performance comes on overall weight of the entire energy storage system
of just 187 lb. A further advantage is that through their optimum
dimensions tailored to the specific qualities and features of the car,
the lithium-polymer cells, together with the operating strategy chosen
with a concept of "forward looking" energy management, reduces the
thermal load acting on the battery to such an extent that there is no
need for active cooling.
Plug-in solution:
convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional
power socket.
Brake Energy Regeneration captures electric power generated while
driving without additional fuel consumption, which is subsequently used
to supply power to the electric motors and on-board network. A further
option is to connect the lithium-polymer cells to a conventional power
socket for a simple and efficient charge process, using a plug-in
connector in the front-right wing of the car. Connected to a standard EU
power outlet (220 V, 16 Amps), the system requires a maximum of 2 ½
hours to fully charge the lithium-polymer cells. And wherever a power
source with higher voltage and amperage (380 V, 32 Amps) is available,
the charge time is an even shorter 44 minutes.
In addition to electrical energy storage, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept
comes with a conventional fuel tank at the rear end of the central
chassis tunnel, offering a capacity of 6.6 gallons. Running on diesel
fuel alone, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is able to cover a distance of
approximately 400 miles with its combustion engine. Benefitting from an
extra range of up to 31 miles in the all-electric mode, the car offers
an overall range of approximately 431 miles. As a result, this unique
concept car offers all the requirements for using energy with maximum
efficiency and at the same time experiencing the dynamic performance
typical of BMW without any restriction of everyday driving qualities.
Performance, fuel
efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid
technology.
The power delivered by the two electric motors and single diesel
3-cylinder engine gives the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept a level of
performance superior to anything provided so far by a hybrid vehicle.
Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h, for example, comes in just
4.8 seconds and the car could exceed its electronically-limited 155 mph
top speed.
At the same time fuel efficiency and emission management now reach a
standard only achieved, if at all, by far less powerful small cars
conceived for city traffic and short distances. Applying the criteria of
the EU test cycle, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept offers average fuel
consumption equal to 62.6 mpg. CO2 emissions, in turn, are 99 grams per
kilometer. These consumption and emission figures are measured on a
consistent internal power balance, meaning that the batteries and
storage media for electrical energy maintain the same charge level
throughout the entire test cycle (with the same level at the beginning
and end) and are charged while driving only by the car's on-board
systems.
As a plug-in hybrid, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is able to cover the
entire drive cycle for measuring fuel consumption also with its
combustion engine completely switched off. Then, to subsequently charge
the lithium-polymer cells to the same status as when setting off, all
the driver has to do is connect the car to an external power grid. To
determine the consumption of electric power, the only requirement is to
compare the charge level of the battery before and after the test cycle.
Applying this measurement process, the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car
consumes 17.5 kW/h per 100 kilometers, equal to a CO2 emission rating of
just 50 grams per kilometer in the EU test cycle.
To determine the total volume of CO2 emissions when driving in the
all-electric mode, new legal standards for measuring the level of fuel
consumption are currently being prepared for hybrid and electric cars
with a plug-in power supply. Applying this calculation method, the CO2
emission ratings generated by BMW EfficientDynamics Concept are reduced
further to just one-third of the original figure of 99 grams per
kilometer. Clearly, this significant reduction of emissions opens up a
new dimension in BMW's EfficientDynamics development strategy in this
unique concept car.
Aerodynamic
qualities reflecting BMW's Motorsport experience.
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept also takes a new approach in its design
and streamlining, the body and the interior clearly expressing the
unique combination of supreme efficiency and the sporting performance of
the brand. Following BMW's design language, this concept car visualizes
both highly efficient aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight
construction.
In its design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept differs from the usual
low-emission car concepts. The principle of "form follows function" is
not just for the overall look of the car, but embraces each and every
detail. Measuring 48.8" in height and boasting a sweeping, arch-like
roofline, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept offers the slender silhouette of
a classic Gran Turismo. With the combustion engine fitted in front of
the rear axle, the designers have succeeded in giving the car a very low
front end, with the flow of air being further smoothened by active
louvers in front of the radiator, which close completely when the need
for cooling air is low. This efficient function follows in the footsteps
of the active air flap control already used as a feature of BMW
EfficientDynamics in some of BMW's current production models. As a
further highlight, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept guides air smoothly and
exactly as required into the car through an active air intake at the
front.
Numerous details in the design of the body are based on the know-how BMW
has gained in Motorsport, a number of body elements serving as air
deflectors and guide vanes. Designed as ducts, for example, the
A-pillars serve to channel the flow of air in the same way as the rear
lights with their wing profile. The floor of the car is fully covered
from front to rear and from one side to the other, thus maintaining a
smooth surface to avoid any air swirl liable to increase fuel
consumption. Slender openings around the front air dam guide the air
flowing specifically into two closed ducts leading inside the front air
dam to the wheel arches where the air comes out again through a very
slim aperture at high speed, flowing just next to the outer wheel
flanks. This air jet rests on the front wheels like a curtain and is
therefore referred to most appropriately as the "air curtain." It
provides a highly stabilizing effect.
Overall vehicle
concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
To further optimize the aerodynamic qualities of the entire vehicle and
keep rolling resistance to a minimum, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept
comes with tires and wheels of quite unusual size on a sports car. The
tires measure 195/55, while large 21-inch wheels provide a contact
surface on the road otherwise offered only by a much wider tire. In
combination with the sophisticated axle geometry, this ensures agile
driving behavior.
The extra-large wheel covers extending over part of the tire flanks add
to the unique, very different look of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept from
the side. The blade profile integrated in the wheels serves furthermore
to reduce the negative effect of the turning wheels on the overall
aerodynamics of the car. In all, these features optimizing the
aerodynamic qualities of the car give the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept
car a very low drag factor (CX) of just 0.22.
Technological
look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.
In both exterior and interior design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept
stands out clearly as a strong spearhead in technology. Many components
of the vehicle are presented in full view expressing the "transparent"
character of the car as a powerful visual feature of lightweight
technology. The chassis and suspension of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept
are made completely of aluminum; the roof and the outer skin on the
doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass
automatically darkening as a function of the light shining on the car.
Measuring 181.1" in length, 74.8" in width and 48.8" in height, this
unique concept car offers ample space for up to four passengers and
their luggage. Thanks to the consistent lightweight construction
strategy applied on the car, curb weight is 3,076 lb, with the center of
gravity remaining very low. In its power-to-weight ratio, the BMW
EfficientDynamics Concept car is far superior to all other hybrid cars,
achieving the same standard as extremely dynamic sports cars with a
conventional combustion engine.
Carrying a maximum payload of 981 lb, this unique 2+2-seater is fully
suited for everyday traffic. Luggage capacity of 5.3 cu ft, in turn,
allows the driver and passengers to conveniently take along two golf
bags. And to meet additional loading requirements the backrests of the
two rear seats may be tilted down individually to provide extra storage
space.
Emotional design
through sculptural shapes and layering technology.
Reflecting the innovative drive concept of this unique car, the design
of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept likewise takes a new approach in
combining functional progress with a most powerful emotional impact.
This has been achieved through the close cooperation of BMW's Design and
Technical Development Divisions starting at an early point and
continuing consistently throughout the entire development process. The
result is a brand-new vehicle architecture with the drive components as
well as the body and interior elements perfectly coordinated and matched
to one another with maximum flexibility and individual style.
A fully integrated design philosophy also provided new options in using
harmonized design principles connecting the exterior and the interior
and providing an interacting effect between the two areas.
Sculptural design language giving BMW EfficientDynamics Concept a fully
harmonized, complete look ensures the proportions typical of a BMW
sports car. The front, side, rear and roof areas, for example, flow
smoothly into one another. Dynamically contoured surfaces and shapes, in
turn, create highly attractive light and shade effects accentuating the
light and sporting character of the car in an emotional manner.
Layering technology developed by the BMW Group Design Division acts as
the fundamental guideline in designing the exterior and interior.
Applied for the first time in exterior design, this technology layers
one surface on top of the other, creating very smooth seams and joints
to reduce the number of components and, accordingly, the weight of the
car. As a result, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept meets the most demanding
aerodynamic requirements without using any additional body elements,
simply through the structure of the surfaces optimized for a smooth flow
of air.
Interior:
innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the
driver.
In the design of the interior, innovative layering technology provides
an unprecedented symbiosis of function and stylish shapes intentionally
reduced to a minimum, consistently implementing and visualizing the
lightweight principle also inside the car.
Specific components such as the central air vent not only serving to
enhance motoring comfort but also acting as part of the cockpit, perform
several functions in one. This multi-functionality is then presented
visibly within the car, the use of particularly sophisticated materials
providing a highly attractive combination of innovation in technology
and quality clear to the eye and the touch of the surface.
This interaction of lightweight construction and individual well-being
also comes out clearly in the design of the controls and switches, with
a leather band, for example, running round the aluminum gear selector
lever on the center console. Materials combining lightweight technology
and all the qualities required are also to be admired all round the
cockpit of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept, giving the car an unusually
generous feeling of space for a 2+2-seater. The body-contoured seats,
for example, are made up of a kevlar shell, a backbone structure, and
seat padding with personalized fillings. Clearly, this combination alone
ensures comfort at a minimum weight. The driver's and front passenger's
seats are connected firmly to the center console to form a joint
interior "landscape", while the rear seats anchored on the floor would
appear to be hovering in space. Natural materials and light colors on
the seat upholstery and all interior linings underline the light,
sophisticated and sustainability-oriented atmosphere within the
passenger compartment.
The instrument panel is deliberately padded only where technical
components have to be appropriately covered, thus making an important
contribution to passenger safety in the event of a collision. The
instrument cluster played a fundamental role right from the start in the
design process, serving as the starting point for all surfaces within
the interior and thus creating a particularly powerful rendition of that
driver orientation typical of BMW.
Innovative light
technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing
ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.
LED lights at both the front and rear end of BMW EfficientDynamics
Concept provide an innovative combination of the symbols typical of the
brand and clear design language oriented towards trendsetting
technology. The distinctive look of the dual round headlights
characteristic of a BMW is emphasized in particular by the use of LED
technology. The rear lights are integrated also in their function into
the design of the entire rear section, forming part of the rear air
deflector and thus merging completely into the rear contour.
Extremely flat and compact, the rear lights are made up of innovative
LED units forming a smooth and consistent red surface when not in use.
Only when used do the respective light chambers take on the appropriate
color such as yellow on the direction indicators. This innovative light
technology also provides an intense symbiosis of the exterior and
interior, again promoting and further refining the driving experience.
This is also why the ambient illumination of the interior comes with new
features and qualities, the light sources within the passenger
compartment being fed from the positioning lights at the side, the rear
lights and the brake lights, thus changing the atmosphere created by the
lights within the car as a function of driving conditions.
The optical impression conveyed by BMW EfficientDynamics Concept also
results in other areas from the symbiosis of the exterior and interior,
eliminating the conventional barriers between the two. The lines within
the interior, for example, continue on to the innovative design of the
engine compartment lid, while in its shape the third brake light
positioned higher up on the car follows the structure of the glass roof
and tapers to the outside where the roofline moves down gently to the
rear.
Overhead doors
for convenient access to all seats.
The doors on BMW EfficientDynamics Concept open up like bird's wings,
turning on pivots in the front roof column at the level of the side
direction indicators. Since the car has no B-pillars, the large door
cutouts ensure convenient entry also to the rear seats. The pivots on
the doors also provide the base for the exterior mirrors, thus forming
an ideal combination of function and aesthetic design. The structure of
the doors is also characterized by several layers of materials on top of
one another and the optical and functional symbiosis of the interior and
exterior this technology is able to offer. Made up of three layers, the
overall structure comprises the outer glass surface, an interim
load-bearing layer, and the interior cover with its particularly smooth
shapes and fl owing forms clearly visible to the passengers, layering
technology again, therefore, opening up new perspectives.
The large glass surfaces extending far down on the body also provide a
strong optical impression of the low seating position close to the road.
And at the same time a stable sidebar ensures the body stiffness and
crash safety naturally required on every vehicle. Flowing to the inside
at its central point, this safety element also serves as an armrest.
This interplay of the three layers also helping to minimize the weight
of the car continues on the trim bar running along the door and
extending out of the armrest, finally flowing into the outer door opener
on its path from inside to outside.
Clear focus on
the essential: 3-dimensional Head-Up Display.
Layering technology is also used on the displays in the instrument
cluster and in the Head-Up Display developed to an even higher standard
on BMW's new concept car. The Display now creates a powerful impression
of three dimensions, at the same time providing the option to present
various signals more in the front or more in the background, depending
on their relevance and current driving conditions.
The Head-Up Display projects information important to the driver on to
the windscreen. Indeed, innovative presentation technology even allows
the superimposed presentation of several views in three dimensions,
keeping, the gauge graphics visible in the background while the latest
information on route guidance or warning signals from BMW Night Vision,
for example, are shown in the foreground.
The sequence in which such signals appear depends on the driving mode
chosen by the driver, the display technology, again depending on the
driver's personal preference, enhancing a particularly sporting, a more
comfort oriented, or an efficiency-based style of motoring. Through its
design alone, the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car clearly shows that
highly efficient individual mobility may by all means be presented in
emotional style. BMW already offers models in all vehicle segments
which, compared with the competition, ensure the lowest level of fuel
consumption and emissions combined with superior power and performance.
And now BMW EfficientDynamics Concept confirms BMW's commitment to offer
a perfect combination in future of unique driving pleasure and optimum
qualities in the responsible use of natural resources.
In the design process the need for sustainable management is borne out
most clearly by the GINA (Geometry and Functions in N-fold Augmentation)
concept developed by the BMW Group. In this case maximum creative
freedom sets the foundation for innovative solutions challenging the
conventional and meeting the requirements of the future. This makes the
GINA principle particularly well-suited for developing visions for the
future reflecting both the wish for emotional style and individual
character as well as the quest for sustainable management and
efficiency. From the dimensions of its wheels through the design of the
rear lights and all the way to the configuration of the cockpit, BMW
EfficientDynamics Concept therefore boasts a number of details both
outside and inside which, going far beyond conventional solutions, open
up a new approach to maximum efficiency and that Dynamic ability typical
of BMW.
Forward-looking
energy management adjusting to individual requirements.
With the individual system components on board BMW EfficientDynamics
Concept being networked with one another, conditions are perfect for
implementing a forward-looking system of energy management using
information gathered by the sensors of the driver assistance units
fitted in the car. Data provided, for example, by the rain sensor or
Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function as well as by the
navigation system, and subsequently evaluated by the central control
unit, offers an overview of current and upcoming driving conditions.
Then, evaluating such data, the on-board computer is able to forecast
driving conditions on the stretch of road immediately ahead, such
calculations serving to prepare the car for upcoming requirements and
make efficient use of the energy available through optimum operation of
all systems.
Should the high-performance central computer establish, for example,
that the driver is about to take the motorway, the power used for
running the cooling system is reduced for a certain period in advance,
on the assumption that the short increase in coolant temperature
resulting from such an energy-saving measure will quickly be set off by
the higher speed of the car on the motorway. Another example of such
pre-conditioning is the regeneration of energy from the air
conditioning, from Electronic Power Steering and the Brake Assistant.
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