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BMW To Show Two New Hybrid Concepts At 2008 Geneva Show

February 25, 2008

BMW X6 ConceptBMW has announced that it will introduce the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car, featuring mild active hybrid technology. The concept vehicle is based on the X5, and is powered by a twin-turbo, four-cylinder diesel engine. The vehicle also features an eight-speed automatic transmission with extended gear ratios to further improve fuel economy.

BMW’s goal with the Vision is to deliver high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The Vision EfficientDynamics offers 43.5 mpg and a CO2 output of 172 g/km. With those numbers, the Vision EfficientDynamics offers the highest mileage of any 4×4 SUV on the market. BMW didn’t neglect power in its bid to redesign the engine. The vehicle can go from 0 to 60 in less than nine seconds.

To achieve these ratings, the modified diesel engine, which delivers 204 hp on its own, is supplemented during acceleration by a compact generator mounted directly on the vehicle’s gearbox. This approach gives the engine an additional 20-hp boost on-demand, and enables the concept vehicle’s relatively small engine to deliver as much power as the one found in a conventional X5. The alternator is integrated into the vehicle’s all-aluminum crankcase.

The vehicle uses roof-mounted solar panels and a brake energy recapture system to collect otherwise wasted energy, and stores it in on-board Li-ion batteries housed in the vehicle’s rear compartment. The batteries can be used to power or supplement the vehicle’s 120-volt climate control system, and electric coolant and power steering pumps, which run in parallel with a conventional 12-volt system.

The X5-based mild hybrid will be joined on the show floor by BMW’s X6 Active Hybrid concept. This vehicle features a dual-mode hybrid electric system, co-developed with GM and Daimler Chrysler. Twin electric motors can be used as a generator to power each other, or can be used to boost acceleration and charge the vehicle’s batteries. The two-mode active transmission integrates the batteries, electronics and a power inverter, and can be optimized for low-speed driving or high-speed driving. The hybrid X6 can boost fuel economy by 20 percent over its conventional cousin.

The 2008 Geneva Auto Show runs from March 4 - 16, and will host several hybrid vehicle concepts and vehicle introductions.

Written by Hybrid Car Chat · Filed Under Hybrid Cars 

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