BMW i3 and i8 concepts

For a little while now BMW has had the new i series concepts out. The i division of BMW is devoted to intelligent mobility. There are currently two i concepts out: the i3 and the i8. The i3 would be a competitor to the Nissan Leaf. Still though a concept, the i3 will be 700 lb. lighter with a extra 60 horsepower cranking out an all electric 170 horses. Since it's a BMW it will be rear-wheel drive. The body is based on an aluminum sub-structure called a drive cell with a liquid cooled lithium-ion battery pack running down the middle of the car with a electric motor in the rear. The i3 also has a carbon reinforced plastic four passenger cell attached at the drive cell. The i3 might be on sale as soon as 2013.

Now for the Hybrid-Electric i8. At the front of the i8 is the same electric motor as in the i3 with a lithium-ion battery down the middle of the chassis. In the rear of the i8 is a high performance, three-cylinder gas engine with 220 hp and 221 feet pounds of torque. So far the i8 has a automatic transmission from a Mini Cooper but a dual clutch system is most likely to be used on the production car. With the battery down the middle there is only space for 2+2 seating. When in pure electric mode the i8 can go up to 20 miles, so for full performance the gas engine is needed. With the 170 hp electric motor and the 220 hp gas engine, the 349 hp coupe weighing at about 3300 lb can get up to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Under normal driving the i8 should get about 80 mpg and is electronically limited to 155 mph.

With ever more restraints on cars, these might just be the cars of tomorrow.