BMW’s only attempt (which was its first and last) to make a super car with a mid engine has failed miserably and had turned out to be a disaster for the company. The model which is called the M1 was sold in between the years 1978 to 1981. Though it was popularized as the only mid-engine BMW to be mass produced, it failed as the model was more expensive and less powerful than the Ferraris and Aston Martins of its time. But knowing BMW from a long time, you would expect more from them. They have decided to put the Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept and unveiled it at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Though this is not the first time that the Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept is heard of, more details about it have been studied by BMW recently and they have named this production version as the Project i Coupe. This new project will be offered in both the electric version and the hybrid version. The concept of the Vision Efficient Dynamics is powered by a three cylinder turbo diesel plant and then combined with two electric motors for extra power generation. The two electric motors would be replaced by a hybrid power plant in case of a hybrid model. For both the engine variants (hybrid version and the electric version), the wheel drive and a double clutch gear box are
available.
It is learnt from trust worthy sources that the Project I Coupe will not be coming alone to the market and BMW is planning to launch an M version for the future model and it will most probably be called as the M1 version. However, the in line 6-cylinder engine was later used in the M3 and M5, making the supercar the launching point for BMW’s current M range. This is not the first time that BMW is bringing the M1 back. But this time, the new coupe is produced by the Bavarian manufacturer and it might hit show rooms and dealer shops in 2013. The 6 cylinder turbo engine which would be pulled from the upcoming M3 version or a small V8 will be used to power up the latest version.
Recently, BMW has released a new promotional video for their new model sports hybrid car which is to be released soon. The new video gives the look of the car closer than ever before and the prototype video is made in such a way that even the most intricate details are clearly visible and understood. Even the swooping lines surrounding the front end lights are shown in the video. Needless to say, the video raised the curiosity levels of the BMW fans.
According to the latest sources, the production might start at the BMW plant which is located at Landshut. The capacity is rumored to be around 30,000 units within the first 5 years of starting the production and will then be increased based on the response. The price is estimated to be between 1,75,000 dollars and 2,50,000 dollars.
Source: topspeed
1 comment
I am glad to see that post. BMW has always amazed his customers with some new design and modification that they enters in the market. Like this time i am seeing that this BMW has come up with the Project i Coupe that will surely prove something better than before….