Car of the Day - BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

Car of the Day - BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

BMW showcased it’s “EfficientDynamics” engineering philosophy – which they state as “the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle”, with a 2 + 2 Sportscar at Frankfurt in September 2009. Aptly named the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, the technology tour de force is a plug-in full-hybrid with M performance and fuel economy exceeding the current crop of fuel efficient small cars.

The Vision’s powertrain combines “ActiveHybrid” components which includes an electric motor on each axle, with a 1.5 liters 3-cylinder turbodiesel. Together the system provides an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and an average fuel consumption equal to 62.6 mpg. The Vision Concept is a stunning visual treat to promote the launch of the production ActiveHybrid X6 and 7 series shown at Frankfurt in 2009.

Overall the combined power output is 356 hp and maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The power delivered by the turbodiesel is conveyed to the rear axle by means of a double-clutch transmission (DCT), while the electric motors use a combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear. With this system the rear electric motor is positioned between the diesel engine and the DCT and outputs a consistent 33 horsepower with a peak of up to 51 hp and 214 lb-ft. This either supports the diesel engine or is used independently for all electric motoring. Additionally when coasting or applying the brakes, the electric motor re-generates power back to the lithium-polymer battery. The electric motor on the front axle is of the hybrid synchronous variety and provides a continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft, with 112 horsepower available in 30 seconds burst and 139 hp for short 10-second bursts. The power is transmitted through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox.

The powertrain provides the ability to run under just electric power, combine electric and internal combustion, or an infinite combination of the three power sources. The two electric motors may be used for accelerating or regenerating power when applying the brakes and coasting. Lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.

The battery cells are housed in a in a central chassis tunnel. There are 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 the 30 second short burst periods each cell is able to output 1,200 Amps.

Both the exterior and interior have a strong design presence. Lightweight materials are used throughout and BMWs motor sport experience feeds in all areas. The transparent and airy design expounds efficiency and form in this case definitely follows function with numerous aerodynamic components styled into cohesive elements of the design.

The Vision is 181.1” long, 74.8” in wide and 48.8” high. It has a luggage capacity of 5.3 cu ft and provides room for two sets of Golf Clubs. With an drag coefficient of 0.22 and a curb weight of 3,076 lb the performance would undoubtably be dynamic.

Hybrid M Series car are looking good for the future.

Rod Halligan