BMW recently announced pricing for its ActiveHybrid X6, but they aren’t done just yet. In addition to the 480-hp crossover, BMW is bringing its ActiveHybrid 7, and Vision EfficientDynamics concept car.

As you might have guessed the ActiveHybrid 7 is a hybrid 7-series. The hybrid 7 features a twin-turbo “High Precision Direct Injected” V8 with a 3-phase electric motor that gives the eco-luxury ride a total combined output of 455 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque. Along with the 8-speed automatic transmission the ActiveHybrid 7 gets 15-17% better gas mileage. According to our calculations, that translates to about 26 mpg. But this hybrid is no slouch, sprinting to 60 in 4.7 seconds. That’s a little quicker than the Lotus Evora that was just announced.

The real eco-car at BMW is the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, which gets a staggering 62.6 mpg. Power comes from a 3-cylinder turbodiesel and an electric motor at each axle. Following the path of the other BMW hybrids this thing still hauls. Producing over 350-hp and almost 600 lb-ft of torque the concept hybrid rockets to 60 in 4.8 seconds. The immediate take-away from pictures is the aerodynamics of this lightweight automobile. We also wouldn’t be surprised if this thing showed up in the upcoming Tron.

 

THREE NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERES FOR BMW AT L.A. AUTO SHOW

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 25, 2009 … The Los Angeles Auto
Show will be the site of three North American vehicle debuts for BMW.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which combines the Sport Activity Coupe
concept with full hybrid drive to create the world’s most powerful
hybrid passenger vehicle, and the all-new BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the
first sport luxury sedan featuring BMW ActiveHybrid technology, will
be on display. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car will also
make its first public showing in the US as well.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will reach BMW Centers in December
2009, and the ActiveHybrid 7, which arrives in spring 2010, both
capitalize on the options offered by combining an industry leading
combustion engine with electric motors to create a powertrain with new
levels of performance and efficiency. The BMW Vision
EfficientDynamics concept car demonstrates BMW’s EfficientDynamics
engineering philosophy – that the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic
driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and
emissions of each vehicle is attainable.

BMW ActiveHybrid X6

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving
dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by
approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a
combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure
combined with enhanced fuel efficiency and CO2 management, ensuring
that the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a genuine BMW within the hybrid
market.

The drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400
hp twin-turbocharged, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 gasoline
engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp,
respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches
575 lb-ft.

Precisely controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes
the overall efficiency of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 at all speeds, with
acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of
the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 130 mph, with
average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20%,
and a CO2 emission rating of 231 grams per kilometer. EPA ratings
will be available closer to the market introduction.

BMW’s first hybrid model is able to run exclusively on electric power
– and that is entirely free of CO2 – up to a speed of 37 mph (60
km/h), with the combustion engine being activated automatically
whenever required. BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system
distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The electric motors receive energy from a NiMH high-performance
battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment.
This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board
network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the
original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic
energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the
battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the
electric motors act as a generator, quickly feeding electric power
generated back into the high-voltage battery.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

Based on the newest BMW 7 Series, this unique car sets new standards
for performance and efficiency in the premium luxury class. A
symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection,
V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous elec­tric motor gives the BMW
ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 515
lb-ft. Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with
the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque
converter. This electric motor receives its supply of energy from a
lithium-ion battery developed specifically for this automobile.

Precisely controlled interaction of both power sources serves to
maximize the efficiency and dynamic performance of the BMW
ActiveHybrid 7. The result is a unique driving experience that
demonstrates the performance capabilities of modern hybrid technology.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, making it
the quickest hybrid in the world. At the same time, it delivers fuel
economy approximately 15-17% better than the 750i. Official EPA
ratings will be available closer to the US market launch.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology also provides new features that promote
efficiency while preserving comfort. As an example, the BMW
ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature
Auto Start Stop to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when
stopped. Another advantage is that the climate control system remains
fully operational when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is shut
down. In this case, power is supplied directly through the 120-volt
on-board network powered by the lithium-ion battery.

Special displays in the instrument cluster and the Central Display
inform passengers of the operating status of the hybrid components.
The ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished from the 750i by
aerodynamically-tuned 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, and model
designations on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and on the door cutouts. The
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available in special Bluewater Metallic
exterior paintwork.

Like existing BMW 7 Series models, BMW’s first luxury sedan with
ActiveHybrid technology will enter the market in two body variants.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 L has a wheelbase increased by 5.5″, all of
which is devoted to the enhanced comfort of rear-seat passengers. Both
models are equipped with a high level of standard equipment and a wide
range of options is also are available, thus enabling the ActiveHybrid
7 to be tailored to each customer’s individual tastes and
requirements.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car demonstrates that the BMW
EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a
sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid
technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M
vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management
that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small
cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of
BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion
engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a “clean-sheet”
development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made
in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and
emotional design. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the most
comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen
so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to
155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel
consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal
to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer.
CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the
all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source:
Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as
prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50
grams per kilometer.

The power and performance are made possible by combining a
fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine with one electric motor
on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together
with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances
the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system
output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special
arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive
when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss
and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all
conditions.

In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for the first time conveys
the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed
with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique
sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and
aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was
likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in
particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction
of weight.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since
1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in
2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include
marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW
brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and
the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic
design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon
Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW
Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global
manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all
X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW
Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks
of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 89 MINI passenger car dealers,
and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW
Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff
Lake, New Jersey.