The much anticipated BMW i-brand has finally being showcased. This whole new effort of introducing greener and more environmental friendly cars has given birth to the i-brand. BMW will be showcasing the new brand at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.
Lets first talk about the BMW i3 Concept which will be the first series production all electric vehicle by the i-brand. It is based on the Mega City Vehicle concept which BMW showcased the previous time. The i3 comes with an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, producing 125 kW\170hp of power and 250Nm of torque. Performance figures for the i3 are 0 to 60km\h in under four seconds and 0 – 100km\hr in under eight seconds.
Now the i8 Concept which is a plug in hybrid sports car which features the same electric engine as seen on the i3 but it is mounted on the front axle unlike the rear on the i3. It is coupled with a 1.5-liter 3 cylinder turbocharged gas engine and produces max power of 220PS, with 300Nm of torque driving the rear wheel. Astonishingly the top speed of the i8 is 250km\hr (electronically-limited). It can travel up to 35km on the electric power alone.
The construction principle used for these green cars is called ‘LifeDrive’ by BMW which comprises of two modules. On the i3, the Drive module makes up the power train, vehicle suspension, and battery and contains it in an aluminium structure which provides the crash protection too. The Life module makes up the passenger cell and body paneling and makes use of high-strength and lightweight CFRP – carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. The i8 features another LifeDrive construction where the front and rear axles, battery and passenger cell comprise the Drive unit of the car while the rest makes up the Life module with heavy use of CFRP. Here’s a video
https://youtu.be/mY5OqUAvHwQ
The legend still lives and rules!! Wish to own some day!