Latest rumor from Germany is around a new BMW model coming to market. Developed under the name BMW i100 Coupe ActiveHybrid, the new eco-sports car is scheduled to launch in 2013 and will compete against Audi’s E-Tron and Mercedes’ SLS E-Cell.
The i100 is designed as a plug-in hybrid and will be able to drive 15 to 50 kilometers on electric motor. Auto Bild reports that the i100 will feature a three-cylinder direct injection engine, most likely a diesel unit similar to the one found in the Vision Concept, producing 165 to 185 horsepower. The drivetrain will also include two electric motors which will add 100 horsepower.BMW Vision Concept – a closer look at the engines
For the U.S. market, BMW might offer a four-cylinder powerplant as well. Unlike the competition, the BMW will offer room for four passengers.
Rendering BMW i100 Coupe Active Hybrid
http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploa ... ght349.jpg
The internal project name is 442 and BMW plans to sell about 35, 000 units at 100,000 euros a piece.
The BMW i100 is said to be presented at the IAA Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011.
To add more fuel to the speculations’ game, the magazine also mentions a BMW M100 model, basically an M version of the i100, powered by a inline six-cylinder engine coming from the next generation M3 and super capacitors hybrid.
[Source: Auto Bild]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/31/rumor ... g-in-2013/