The Car Hub

BMW has just revealed more details of it’s new eco sports concept car which looks likely to be one of the highlights of the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany next month.

The new eco car is similar in size to the 3 series but with a lower roofline and incorporates a lightweight body construction, new aerodynamics and hybrid drive technology.

This spectacularly designed Vision Efficient Dynamics car is a diesel electric hybrid with a claimed 163bhp and 214lb foot of torque which rates it a more powerful car than the current 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel, the new power plant is a 1.5 litre 3 cylinder engine that is due in service in BMW’s 1 series in 2001. Further techie information states that the diesel engine is aided by 2 electric motors mounted to the front of the gearboPicture, each motor individually powering one set of wheels.

Because if its brilliant power to weight ratio of 255bhp per tonne, which is only 7bhp per tonne less than the 414bhp of the 4.0 litre V8 M3, this enables BMW to claim a 0-62mph of 4.8secs while moving on to an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph, which equals the M3. Overall fuel consumption is a claimed 75.1mpg while CO2 emissions are 99g/km, both these figures being equal to those of the Toyota Prius.

Where it seriously differs from the 320d model is in its fuel range, the electric motor only range is a disappointing 31 miles while the diesel only range is 400 miles, this leaves it far short of the 777 miles for the 320d.

The spectacular body styling will be a major selling point for this futuristic car with its butterfly type doors that extend along the side of the car. Inside is just as futuristic as the outside, BMW have a new design boss and this is his first all new car which give an indication of styling for future models through the incorporation of new style kidney grille and the use of glass which partly covers the roof, bonnet, boot and sides.