BMW Hybrid Supercar Confirmed

Latest Efficient Dynamics prototype revealed, with the promise of production

BMW has confirmed rumours that its awesome Vision EfficientDynamics concept will indeed make production. First shown at the Frankfurt international motor show in 2009, the four-seater sports car will be powered by BMW ActiveHybrid technology - and looks like proving the future might just be fun after all.

"With its wide range of completely or virtually production-ready components, this concept study met with an overwhelming response and there was a widespread desire to put the car on the road. The realisation of this desire is moving considerably closer," says a company statement today.

The announcement comes as BMW presents this fully road-ready 'technology showcase vehicle'. It's based closely on the Frankfurt concept study, and some lucky hacks are apparently about to get their first opportunity to find out what it's like to drive. (Our invite must have got lost in the post...)

Since its world premiere, the eye-catching and advanced machine has received several awards both for its futuristic design and its ground-breaking engine technology. Just 1.24 metres high, the 2+2-seater features wing doors to facilitate entry to both rows of seats, while extensive aerodynamic measures keep the drag coefficient down to 0.22.

The combination of a 3-cylinder turbo diesel with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle enables an overall system output of 328 bhp. This is sufficient to give performance figures that include a 4.8 second 0-62mph time, and an average fuel consumption figure of 75.1 mpg. CO2 is emitted at the rate of 99 grams per kilometre.

The Vision EfficientDynamics is also conceived as a so-called plug-in hybrid. The lithium-polymer rechargeable battery is housed centrally in a longitudinal chassis element and can be fully charged at a conventional power socket within two and half hours. The use of electrical energy alone permits zero-emissions motoring with a range of some 50 kilometres, while a 24-litre diesel tank extends the total action radius of the vehicle to up to 700 kilometres, they say.

By developing the machine for for serial production, BMW reckons to be underscoring its position as a global leader in the production of sporty vehicles with exemplary efficiency, and we'd be hard pressed to disagree.

That said, the car isn't likely to reach final production guise for around 3 years, and may thus look quite different to the shape we see today. It's equally likely that this prototype's diesel engine could be replaced with a high performance petrol motor, according to various reports. The price is yet to be confirmed, obviously, but we expect it to be well in excess of £100k as BMW's performance 'halo' model.

Either way, we reckon today is a good news day for performance enthusiasts!