The world’s largest luxury car maker BMW today showcased its i sub-brand for the future and sustainability. The German company presented two concept cars for the first generation of electric vehicles to be launched under its new sub-brand- i. In 2013 BMW will launch i3, while i8 will be launched in 2014.
BMW research and development chief Klaus Draeger said during a presentation in Frankfurt, “The upcoming i3 will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon.”
“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.
Norbert Reithofer, Chairman BMW, Showcases i8 at Frankfurt
The BMW i3 will be a purely electric powered car for urban areas. The i8 will be based on the plug-in hybrid sportscar concept BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 kilometres, the BMW i3′s dynamic 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensures BMW-style dynamic handling.
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. 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.
For more dynamic driving or out-of-town routes, a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine also comes into play. The sports car has an electronically controlled top speed of 250 km/h and space for up to four occupants. “The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable,” Draeger explained.
BMW didn’t disclose on the expected annual sales volume, but Chief Financial Officer Friedrich Eichiner noted that in terms of earnings per vehicle the new cars will contribute to the company’s targeted earnings before interest and taxes margin range of between 8% and 10%.
Source: Wall Street Journal
