Rumors: BMW Vision ED Concept Slated for 2012 as M1 Green Drive

A mean, green, R8-fighting machine?

By Michael Gauthier
September 25, 2009 7:04 PM
Filed Under: BMW, Concept Car, German, Hybrid, Rumours

A new report has surfaced indicating that BMW will build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

Set to revive the legendary M1 name, the fuel efficient supercar will reportedly adopt the concept's aggressive styling and advanced powertrain. Inside, the car will feature a three-dimensional head-up display, a "digital dash" and a two-plus-two seating arrangement.

Like the VED concept, the M1 will be powered by a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an electric motor. While details are limited, the combined output is expected to be more than 350 bhp and 800 Nm of torque. If these figures are correct, the M1 will likely accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

According to an Auto Express source, the engine is almost production ready and some of the hybrid components will be taken from the X6 ActiveHybrid.

If BMW is planning on production, look for a launch in 2012.

Source: autoexpress.co.uk

Comments

nederina
September 25, 2009 7:08 PM
PLEASE BMW!! PLEASE!! And Make it a straight six or a V8!

Renegade
September 25, 2009 7:21 PM
Just put metal doors on the car dammit.

jerry05cod4
September 25, 2009 7:53 PM
how can bmw say "go" to this car and axe the most beautiful car they've ever produced, the CS Concept... wtf!

eeoikari
September 25, 2009 8:26 PM
M1 will be a beautiful car, if it will be like the M1 renderings made based on Vision Efficient Dynamics concept. Performance figures of VED are impressive, but I-3 engine just doesn't sound like BMW. If you are going to make M1, make it with V8, at least.

To me this picture, presented in BMW Blog's website, just looks perfect: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/09/23/rumor-is-the-bmw-m1-back-in-play/


Edited by user on September 25, 2009 at 8:30 PM
scratchy996
September 26, 2009 6:20 PM
the IC engine acts like as generator for the electric motors. whats the point of introducing a V8 into a car that's supposed to be green ?

eeoikari
September 26, 2009 9:09 PM
The IC and the electric motors work together, the IC is not only a charger.

Surely the performance figures are already impressive from this powertrain, maybe it can give even more. For an "image" car these figures are more than sufficient considering how the power is produced. As an R8 fighter though, it needs more power, but that is if it's BMW intention.

X6M
September 25, 2009 8:54 PM
Yes, and just make it mean!!

GuyOh
September 25, 2009 10:40 PM
omg! bmw build it!!!!!!

joshg_5
September 25, 2009 10:55 PM
WTF, why don't they put this technology on a 3-series platform, or something that MOST people can afford and would buy. "Green" tech should be instilled in vehicles for the majority.

This would be a great car if they put some M5/6 V-10 power in it!

scratchy996
September 26, 2009 6:22 PM
because people could not afford to buy this if it was in a 3 series. the technology is new and expensive, that's why they put it in an expensive car until they can make it affordable for mainstream cars.

out4ride
September 25, 2009 11:47 PM
To rival R8 in what fuel efficency? Is that all you guys can come up with? Why follow VW with diesel-hybrid? Just make a car that can stand up to R8 unless you don't care. All this Vision of efficency, dynamics what's next wind power? I don't get it. What happens to ultimate driving machine? All we get is Visions.

M!
September 26, 2009 9:15 AM
please dont fall into WCF's traps. no where does BMW state that this is a rival to R8. WCF said that.

Bristol411S3
September 26, 2009 12:00 AM
joshg, the engine is coming to the 1 and 3 series apparently.

All these comments about make it with a V8 and stuff... don't you think they'd have done that already? The point of this is to show BMW wants us to rethink performance driving as a sustainable pursuit. They are MUCH more likely to make a hybrid halo model than just attempt to copy the R8 route.

joshg_5
September 26, 2009 5:41 AM
Good to know, I'm looking forward to that.

But keep in mind, I said a V-10! lol ;)

scratchy996
September 26, 2009 6:25 PM
i think BMW proved what they can do with a internal combustion V engine when they built the engine in the McLaren F1. now they are going a different route.

M!
September 26, 2009 9:14 AM
BMW needs an image car / Q car. since the departure of the Z8 the designs of BMW has been lost. this M1 green Drive will pave their way.

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