BMW Group has unveiled a stunning new concept at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show in the form of its new BMW i3 coupe.
A full-electric concept, the i3 coupe is breaking new ground in terms of performance and the use of materials to create a stunning and functional vehicle for the masses, with the model that is on display at the international showpiece almost a full-production version.
Powered by an onboard lithium-ion battery unit, the vehicle delivers an impressive 170 bhp and torque of 250Nm, with instant power delivery through the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.
All this helps to make the i3 coupe extremely nimble and responsive to handle, while the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic for the cockpit further helps to shed weight and at the same time delivers excellent safety for occupants.
Benoit Jacob, head of design for BMW, told Auto Express: “This car is really a message that says things should be kept as simple as possible for electric cars.”
He added that “premium” traditionally requires the addition of more metal, leather and other materials to upgrade a model, but the i3 coupe shows that this really is not the case.
The manufacturer’s new ‘i’ range is being showcased to the full at this year’s LA Auto Show, with the company also exhibiting its new i8 roadster design at the event.
Offering 354 bhp from its combined petrol and electric powertain, the i8 roadster is no slouch in the performance stakes, delivering a top speed limited to 155 mph, acceleration from zero to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds and – perhaps most notably – fuel efficiency of 104 mpg on average.
Mr Jacob concluded: “The focus right now is to get the one i3 and one i8 model finished and on sale, but as you can imagine there is definitely room below and between those two cars. In terms of the materials used this is extremely close to the production car.”
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Posted by Jack Smith
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