BMW i100 Coupe Active Hybrid to launch in 2013 - rumors

A new report out of Germany is suggesting the production version of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept could be called the i100 Coupe ActiveHybrid when it is launched in 2013.

While we cannot confirm this, it does sound like a peculiar name for a range topping model. It obviously attempts to break away from the "series" based nomenclature and draw some inspiration from the M1 moniker, but i100 seems more likely to conjure up thoughts of the 1-Series.

Regardless, Bild is reporting the i100 will be a plug-in hybrid with a 165 (121 kW / 163 bhp) to 185 PS (136 kW / 182 bhp) three-cylinder engine (likely a diesel) and two electric motors which contribute 100 PS (75 kW / 99  bhp). More importantly, the car would have an electric-only range of 15 to 50 km (9.3 to 31 miles).

The aforementioned setup is virtually identical to the VED concept, but Bild goes one step further by stating the U.S. market may receive an i100 with a four-cylinder engine. If that doesn't float your boat, the German publication says the M version will feature high performance capacitors and a six-cylinder engine from the next-generation M3.

The €100,000 ($130,775) car is rumored to make an appearance at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, so stay tuned.

See source links below for fullsize renderings.