It would seem that the German automotive leaders noticeably lose to Japanese manufacturers in terms of developing alternative power units, such as electric and hybrid ones. However, one can argue with this when the Bavarian engineers seriously take the matter. A vivid confirmation of this was the BMW Vision model, the conceptual version of which debuted in 2009 at the show in Frankfurt.
The car was created on the central architecture, which is more typical for Lotus and Ferrari. The model has a low roof line and a huge glazed area. According to the company, the air resistance coefficient of BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics is only 0.22, which can not but impress. The length of the car is 4.6 m, width - 1.9 m, and height - 1.24 m. The central console hides the spar and simultaneously divides the visually salon into two parts, in the front of which the driver's and passenger's seat is located. The loading space of the model is 150 liters, although if necessary it can be significantly increased by folding the rear seats. Based on this, we can safely talk about the practicality of the BMW Vision concept.
Despite all this, the main highlight of the car, of course, was his hybrid powerplant. It includes a three-cylinder engine with a capacity of one and a half liters, which develops 163 horsepower, which is very solid for this size, and two electric motors - one for each bridge. Thus, it turns out that, in fact, BMW Vision is an all-wheel drive model. The total capacity of the unit, working in combination with a robotic 6-step box for 2 clutches, reaches 365 horses. Power is provided through lithium-polymer batteries, consisting of 98 elements. One can not help but emphasize that they are located under the central console and do not occupy any useful space at all. The charging process of the batteries can be carried out by means of an ordinary outlet. The car can drive on electric motors alone 50 kilometers, which is quite enough for urban conditions.
Absolutely all the BMW Vision units were assembled from aluminum alloys. Moreover, only lightweight materials were used in the body structure, so that the car weighs only 1.4 tons. This is also one of the reasons for the excellent dynamics. In particular, the acceleration to hundreds takes only 4.8 seconds, and the maximum speedometer is 250 km / h, and it is limited to electronics. The diesel fuel consumption is 3.75 liters per hundred kilometers. The undercarriage is standard, in other words, the same as for all Bavarian representatives - McPherson suspension in front and on the transverse double levers from behind.
Whichever way you look, the BMW Vision is an unusual machine in every way. It is great for driving on the highway and demonstrates the peak saving in urban traffic jams. This is an excellent solution for an average family, however, unfortunately, not in the conditions of the domestic climate. Moreover, for this car it is necessary to lay out a considerable sum of money. If the launch of auto on the conveyor still happens, no doubt, this will be a major breakthrough in the automotive industry.