BMW i3 and i8 : After the « M », there will be the « i »
Going from "M" to "i"... Here is a singular way of going from one extreme to the other!
Up until now, BMW engineers had created a sport division and were having a wild time conceiving, developing and commercializing models that were always more performing, always with a definite dynamic behaviour. For many years, this division has produced models labelled as being part of the “M” series.
At this point, this manufacturer is about to strike in in a different direction. In other words, another sub-division has been created, which is identified by the letter “i”, whose mission will be to develop vehicles that are more environment friendly.
Furthermore, in Geneva, the people from BMW will officially present their new division which will include hybrid propulsion and entirely electric vehicles, with the i3 and i8 models.
The BMW i3
This is a small city vehicle known so far as the Megacity. Contrary to the sport oriented i8, this car is entirely run by electricity. One could easily imagine that this vehicle might greatly profit from the technology used on the Mini E, also equipped with an electric motor developed by BMW engineers.
The BMW i8
In reality, this vehicle is none other than the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept that has become the new BMW i8 This vehicle is a hybrid propulsion which is rechargeable on the basis of a small atmospheric engine, most probably associated to two electric motors. And furthermore, rumour has it that a new “M” version is in the works, even before the first prototype is manufactured.
Both cars will be equipped with an aluminium chassis and a bodywork made of carbon fibres for extra lightness. These vehicles will be assembled in Leipzig, Germany, and should be commercialized in 2013.