The BMW i3 Concept Coupe unveiled at the
2012
Los Angeles Auto Show
The world
premiere of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe sees the BMW Group unveil a
particularly nimble and emotive version of its concept for sustainable
premium-class motoring with zero local emissions. The study presented at
the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show has been brought out in parallel to the
ongoing development process for getting the first ever all-electric
model from the BMW i brand ready for series production, and demonstrates
the potential for conceivably extending the model range. The
state-of-the-art, clean-cut and open design showcased by the BMW i3
Concept Coupe represents a pioneering form of urban mobility that makes
sustainability awareness an intrinsic part of the premium profile.
Beyond this, the three-door model employs the design idiom that has been
created especially for the BMW i cars to convey an undeniable sense of
dynamism and driving pleasure.
The carbon-fibre body’s visual impact is
largely shaped by the gracefully flowing coupe roof line and the fresh
interpretation of the BMW i “stream flow” design that can be seen in the
side window styling, and gives an instant impression of lightness,
transparency and streamlined aerodynamic qualities. On the inside, the
sense of spaciousness typical of the BMW i brand is combined with an
exclusive lounge-style ambience in the two individual rear seats.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe furthermore
assumes the title of the world’s first fully networked electric vehicle.
Thanks to the inclusion of innovative BMW ConnectedDrive functions that
have been devised by BMW i for use in production vehicles, operation of
the navigation system as well as the information transfer between the
vehicle, the outside world and the driver’s smartphone has been geared
towards the specific requirements of e-mobility.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe sharply focuses
the spotlight on the dynamic performance that can be achieved with the
purely electric version of the BMW eDrive technology. Like the BMW i3
Concept, the Coupe is also propelled by an electric motor developed by
the BMW Group, which develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak
torque of 250 Newton metres (184 lb-ft), and channels its instantaneous
power delivery to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.
The electric motor draws its energy from
the lithium-ion storage cells under the floor. Positioning the battery
units here has the effect of lowering the centre of gravity
considerably, which further adds to the vehicle’s sensationally agile
handling. The LifeDrive concept for the BMW i vehicle architecture is
instrumental in enabling a brand new vehicle character to be married so
harmoniously with BMW eDrive, a technology that is already nearing
production standard. The horizontally split construction consisting of
two self-contained elements intrinsically focuses on the technical
requirements of the electric drive train, and helps to produce a design
concept, sense of spaciousness and driving experience that are unique to
BMW i cars.
The passenger cell forms the core of the
Life module, which is built from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
BMW i is scaling new heights for automotive engineering by making such
extensive use of this high-tech material. Because it is extremely light
yet very strong too, CFRP opens up tremendous scope for design and
therefore has all the right credentials for translating the inimitable
and unmistakable BMW i design idiom into a wide array of variants.
On the BMW i3 Concept Coupé, the drive
system, chassis and energy storage unit, along with the structural and
crash functions, are once again incorporated into the Drive module that
is made chiefly of aluminium. Measuring 3,964 millimetres in length,
1,768 wide and 1,555 high, the BMW i3 Concept Coupe can be noted for its
highly individual proportions. When compared directly to the BMW i3
Concept, the new study has a broader, lower-slung look that serves to
highlight its agile nature at first glance. The wheelbase, on the other
hand, is unchanged from that of the standard BMW i3 at 2,570 millimetres.
