According to Edmunds Inside Line, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept that made its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show will enter production. Inside Line cites a senior BMW authority who assured them that this will become a production vehicle.
The plug-in hybrid 2+2 concept is dramatic in appearance and drive train. At first glance the vehicle appears to be a concept and nothing more. The outrageous exterior and costly mechanicals would lead many to believe that this vehicle is simply too extravagant for production, but BMW clearly thinks otherwise. The source cited by Inside Line says that the volume for this vehicle will be between 5,000 and 10,000 units and the concept vehicles power train will remain intact. The source added, "there will be less of the synthetic glass and more solid structure added to the final design."
What's so special about this BMW product? This may very well be the company's second production supercar ever made. The first is of course the infamous and rare M1. Inside Line asked their source if this could be the company's second supercar and the response was "quite probably."
Here's some preliminary specs. The plug-in hybrid powertrain puts out 356 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque. Its claimed to reach 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, but the company believes that the times will continue to drop as the hybrid powertrain and computers systems are fine tuned. The target weight is set at under 3,000 pounds and the vehicle utilizes extensive composite materials throughout. The concept features a turbocharged three cylinder diesel range extender setup, with twin electric motors and a lithium polymer battery pack.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics vehicle is expected to reach production status by 2013. There is no pricing set at this point, nor specific details about the production vehicle. The information above relates to the concept vehicle and many changes could be made before production begins.
Source: Edmunds Inside Line
