Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was introduced in 1954 as a two-seat, winking sports car with distinctive gull-wing doors. Subsequent it was offered as an unstoppered automobile. It was the fastest creation car of its day.
Shapely by Daimler-Benz AG and internally numbered W198, the fuel-injected moving edition was based (somewhat loosely) on the set's highly undefeated competition-only sports car of 1952, the somewhat inferior potent carbureted Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W194).
The means leader was suggested by Max Actor. Existence supposed for customers in the prospering post-war Indweller industry it was introduced at the 1954 New York Machine Present, unequal previous models introduced at either the Frankfurt or Metropolis shows. In Mercedes-Benz vogue, the "300" referred to the engine's figure litre cylinder motion. The "SL" stood for "Athlete Leicht" (Game Unchaste).
The 300SL was foremost acknowledged for both its identifiable gull organ doors and state the first-ever four-stroke car panoplied with a Fuel nonstop injection. The cozen helping type was getable from Dominion 1955 to 1957. Production of the auto ended in 1963 with the debut of the 230SL.
New 2011 BMW X3 Launched
BMW India has launched its all-new X3 SUV. The new X3 is available with a 2.0 184bhp and 3.0-litre 258bhp diesel engines.
The X3 packs BMW�s eight-speed gearbox along with a Dynamic Damper Control and an engine start-stop function as standard. Also standard is BMW�s xDrive four-wheel-drive system which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles.
The new model gets muscular styling as compared to the one it replaces and is 83mm longer and 28mm wider than the model it replaces and it sits on a slightly longer wheelbase. It also weighs 90kgs less than the earlier 2.0 diesel car
Additional features include bi-xenon headlights with LED rings. The X3 2.0-litre gets 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch high resolution display screen while the 3.0 version gets 18-inch alloys and a bigger 8.8-inch high resolution display screen.
Bluetooth connectivity and a USB slot are standard so is the full-size panaromic sunroof. The unique 40:20:40 split rear seats can be flipped down to expand storage space as required.
The new X3 competes with the likes of Audi Q5, Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60.
BMW has priced the 2.0-litre X3 at Rs 41.2 lakh while the 3.0-litre version starts at Rs 47.99 lakh. With Audi recently slashing prices of its Q5 2.0 TDI which now starts at Rs 35.13 lakh, the mid-size luxury SUV competition is sure to heat up
Maruti Suzuki sport car
Maruti Suzuki India is planning to launch its new Kizashi sedan in February this year, the company announced. The sedan would be positioned in the luxury car market.
�This is our attempt to be future ready, as we believe the A4 and A5 segment (luxury) is going to grow. It is small at the moment but the way the economy is growing, this segment is going to be big,� Maruti Suzuki India�s Managing Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales Mayank Pareek was quoted as saying.
The new Kizashi will be fully imported from Suzuki Japan. �In another 5-7 years time, this volume is going to be big and to sustain our leadership position in the market we are looking at this segment seriously,� Pareek added.
The company, which has about half of the Indian car market, has rightly understood the promising luxury car industry in India.
new Hummer 2011
The new Hummer HX is involved in a two-door convertible steel body, with roof panels and modular rear roof and a removable full-time four-wheel locking front and rear differentials.There some tips, including HID headlamps with focusing rings �that automatically adjusts the LED tail lights and high and turn indicator lights
. They were transferred without cause oil exterior colors, four-seat interior trimmed in aluminum, neoprene and ballistic nylon. reconfigurable seats and dashboard is said, inspired by an airplane. Off-road tools include a folding shovel, flashlight and a first aid kit
New Hummer HX is powered by a V6 gasoline direct injection 3.6-liter mated to a six-speed automatic. The engine has 304 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and can run on E85 ethanol. With a suspension with coil springs in all, the HX rides on custom 35-inch Bridgestone Dueler off-road
Lotus Elise
The 2011 Lotus Elise has elevated the bar of excellence and acceptable of show with its distinctive features that are regular of an industry-leading mid-engine sports car. Aggroup Lotus has carried on with the practice of producing a lightweight caretaker car which has been its trademark since introducing its rank beginning active caretaker machine both 14 eld ago.
This Assemble Lotus work prefabricated a rousing debut during the 80th Foreign Metropolis Locomote Convey after months of dour anticipation by industry observers. This stylish multiplication of Lotus Elise went through whatever prima organisation and employment changes spell retaining the distinctive trait and winning constitute of its older siblings that have won the nod of manufacture experts. Since the inception of the eldest beginning of this common Lotus connexion, it has won adulation and recognition from various sectors; winning innumerous awards for its unparalleled action and exertion of piercing edge and matured with the explicit driving enthusiasts in obey. This current speedster features a nationwide capability of branded technologies and program concepts, surround the new standards for the top end sports car assemblage. This fashionable poser of Lotus Elise boasts of a lightweight yet extremely sturdy chassis made from warranted and extruded aluminium core crucial, impact-absorbing disintegrate confront structural construct for unmated hit and a lighten flower committee. This Lotus Elise tips the scale at virtuous half the coefficient of a typical remove bounds over its competitors in terms of hurrying and roadworthy management.
The Elise connexion has been the marking of Lotus support to unrivalled show and durability. It has inarguably expropriated a throttlehold of the contact posture among all of the companionship's creations for the lowest 50 years. The 2011 Lotus Elise is a tough avouchment of the visitor's unquestionable reputation and excruciation for unkind supply technology and subverter ornament concept. It is a forceful evidence to all and sundry that Lotus is ascertained to keep to get the initiatory by its better leap gardant, Lotus looks at the strain as aught statesman than rightful a norm that is anticipated from a canopy sports car maker.
2011 Nissan Esflow
They call it 2011 Nissan Esflow Esflow. It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car proves it�s possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving.
It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But Nissan ESFLOW Concept is different to every other sports car yet built: it�s electric Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.
Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world�s first practical Zero Emissi
The Nissan ESFLOW Concept is based on existing technology, implemented in innovative ways. An
attractive, head turning composite body covers an aluminium chassis, incorporating its own roll cage. The powertrain unit, which employs the same technologies installed in the Nissan LEAF, is tuned to offer a sporty driving experience
Nissan ESFLOW Concept is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding
vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.
Nissan Sunny Review, Test Drive
Nissan's all-new Versa is an all-new entry level saloon, built on the same �V� platform as the cute-looking Micra. The all-new car is a tailor-made assault on the surprisingly similar requirements of car compact saloon buyers in the US, China and even India. Since the Versa name belongs to Maruti in India, Nissan has chosen to badge it the Sunny here.
The Sunny is built to make an impression. It looks quite large, especially when viewed from the rear three-quarters, with its big boot, long wheelbase and massive cabin. It�s closer in size to something like a Civic or a Laura; compact it is not. Although based on the same platform as the Micra, the Sunny looks nothing like it. Only the Nissan badge appears to be common.
�V� for Versatile
Clearly, Nissan�s new �V� or versatile platform can accommodate both compact and medium-sized cars. Platform cost saving aside, Alliance partner Renault shared parts, know-how and even helped with sourcing parts for the Sunny. The platform uses 20 percent fewer components and has knocked 100-odd kilograms off the scale.
Style and space
The Sunny doesn�t look boxy or cheap. Long flowing lines, a beautifully crafted nose and an elegant rear section mean the new Sunny actually looks very attractive from many angles. Sure, the stubby nose means some of the proportions are a bit odd. And from the rear it looks like a baby Nissan Teana!
The Sunny boasts of a Corolla Altis-sized wheelbase and that translates into a lot of room on the inside. In fact the comfy backseat has more legroom than a Mercedes E-class! The drooping roofline, however, means that you sit slightly lower than is ideal and the backrest is leant back a bit. And the front seats, if anything, are even more comfortable, with thigh support and side bolstering both very impressive.
Nissan has tried very hard to make the cabin look upmarket as well. The chrome-ringed dials, the silver accents on the steering wheel, and the Micra-like chrome door handles give the ambience a bit of a lift. Overall plastic quality and fit and finish are also up to expectations. A few cheap plastic bits like the air-con controls and window switches do exist. And at 420 litres, the boot is pretty large.
Big-car dynamics
The US-spec Sunny comes with a new-generation 1600cc petrol motor. Producing a useful 109bhp, it makes more than sufficient power, and initial responses to the throttle are very good too. For the Indian market, however, the Sunny will come with a smaller 1.5-litre petrol developing 107.5bhp.
The engine feels nice and smooth and there�s enough performance, there isn�t too much grunt in the midrange. Downshift and you�ll find there�s plenty of punch in the top end, but the motor does get a bit vocal. On the gearbox front, the CVT is surprisingly good, with very little rubber-band effect present and the ability to hold engine rpm in the sweet spot. Meanwhile the five-speed manual has a crisp shift and is both light and effort-free to use.
Despite a bit of pitter-patter at low speed due to stiff damping, the Sunny�s ride quality is excellent especially once the car is up to speed. Road noise is reasonably well contained for a car of this price, bump absorption is first rate and because of the long wheelbase there isn�t too much pitching and bobbing either. It really does ride like a big car.
Also impressive is stability and handling. The Sunny tracked straight and true even at speeds as high as 140kph, with only a light grip needed on the wheel. Nissan has also done an outstanding job with the brakes. The electric power steering is both accurate and well weighted, unlike many such systems. Although, the Sunny is nice to drive and does everything you ask of it, it�s not a car that encourages you to drive it faster.
The Sunny is a car that has almost everything Indian customers want. It looks large and attractive on the outside, is extremely spacious and comfortable inside, rides, performs and drives well and feels robustly engineered too. Nissan will have a more powerful version of its 1.5-litre diesel that powers the Micra on sale soon. With the right price the Sunny has the potential to shake up the competition. Here�s a car worth waiting for.
New Toyota Camry Unveiled
These are the first pictures of the all-new Toyota Camry that is scheduled to go on sale across the globe in 2012. We expect the car to hit Indian shores by early next year.
In the styling department, Toyota has gone in for a far bolder look than the �please-all� styling of the current car. The front comprises of larger, more angular headlights with an elegant kink at the base. Two chrome slats with the Toyota logo in between make the grille look more pronounced than earlier. Larger fog lamps further enhances the new Camry�s front end.
The side profile however, does not carry the drama visible in the front styling on the car � the dull window line playing spoilsport here. The shoulder line that broadens as it approaches the boot is an interesting touch though. Move towards the rear of the new Camry and you could find minute Lexus details on the boot. The new smart two part tail lights looks quite attractive.
While the new car�s dimensions are nearly equal to its predecessor�s, Toyota claims there is slightly more space in the new car, which is great considering the current car itself is quite spacious. The dashboard design is all new and wears a more mature look. A large 6.1-inch multimedia screen dominates the fascia, though it remains to be seen if the Indian-spec Camry will feature it.
However, you can expect the car to come with dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX ports and also steering mounted audio controls. Toyota claims that it has further managed to reduce road and wind noise, giving the cabin a relaxing ambience.
While other markets have moved to the new 2.5-litre, four-cylinder VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine, the Indian Camry continues to be powered by the older 2.4-litre, four-cylinder VVT-i engine. We expect Toyota to offer the new motor when it launches the car in India next year. The 2.5-litre 16-valve engine produces 169bhp at 6000rpm, a marginal 2bhp more than the current car. But with no diesel engine on offer, the Camry could still find itself at a disadvantage to its diesel-powered rivals like the Skoda Superb and VW Passat.
The Camry destined for USA will be offered with an option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is yet to be known however, if the Indian-spec saloon will be upgraded to the new �boxes or will stick to the current 5-speed transmission.
The use of higher tensile steel promises added rigidity which should no doubt aid handling. Under the skin, there are no major changes except a slightly tweaked suspension to improve overall comfort. But what�s interesting is that Toyota is now planning to ship the Camry in India via the CKD route and assemble at its Bidadi plant in Karnataka. The current car is imported as a CBU.
Local assembly should bring with it huge savings in costs which will make the Camry a whole lot more affordable and lucrative to D-segment car buyers. If the new Camry can undercut Honda Accord prices, Toyota has a winner on its hands.
Aston Martin V12 Zagato Revealed
The road car variant of the new Aston Martin V12 Zagato, which will go into production from the middle of next year, it has been revealed.
The hand-built Zagato is based on the V12 Vantage and features a body of aluminium and carbonfibre. The race-bred machine is powered by a 6-litre engine, developing 510bhp and 58kgm of torque.
Developed half a century after the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, the new V12 Zagato broke cover at the Villa D�Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, in May. It won the coveted design award for the concept and prototypes class.
Two prototypes were then honed during endurance races at the N�rburgring, including the 24-hour event at the German track in June. The pair of Zagato racing machines will appear on Aston�s Frankfurt motor show display next month, along with the One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.
The competition specials have been nicknamed �Zig� and �Zag� by Aston technicians. �Zig� will appear in full racing specification and features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, rear diffuser and spoiler. Whereas �Zag� has been converted back into a road-spec show car to give an indication of how the finished customer cars will look when they are built next year.
Just 150 road-going examples will be built.
New Porsche 911 Revealed
These are the first official pictures of the all-new Porsche 911.
Known internally as the 991, the new 911 � the sixth truly independent model in an illustrious 48-year history � is set to make its world debut at next month�s Frankfurt motor.
The new 911 will initially be sold in rear-wheel drive Carrera and Carrera S coup� guises. Cabriolet and four-wheel-drive variants will follow in 2012, and pave the way for a range-topping Turbo packing 523bhp in 2013.
Developed under Porsche design boss Michael Mauer, the visual changes are subtle but effective enough to set the new car apart from its predecessor.
The traditional round headlamps are set on the front of a wider, slightly higher front bumper. The lights have been made bigger and house more complex internal graphics than before, and are complemented by new LED daytime running lamps on the leading edge of a reshaped bumper. The rear is distinguished by new, thin LED tail-lamps. They sit underneath a prominent lip that forms the trailing edge of the engine lid and wrap further around the rear bumpers than before.
As with the outgoing 911, the new model has a choice of two standard naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engines mounted aft of the rear axle line.
The big news concerns the downsizing of the base unit in the Carrera. It drops in capacity from 3.6 litres to 3.4 litres � the same as the Boxster S and Cayman S. But while the Boxster/Cayman S engine delivers 316bhp, the new Carrera packs a sturdier 345bhp at 6400rpm � up by 4bhp over the old 3.6-litre engine. It also has 280lb ft of torque.
The Carrera S continues with a 3.8-litre unit, but it has changes to the induction and exhaust which liberate an extra 14bhp at 394bhp at 7000rpm and this version boasts 324lb ft. At the rear, the Carrera continues to feature two oval exhaust pipes, while the Carrera S gets four round pipes.
The new model receives a new seven-speed manual gearbox � a first for a series production road car.
There have been significant chassis changes as a result of the lengthened wheelbase in the quest to further improve the handling, grip and ride.
Expect the new 911 to reach our shores soon after the global launch.
2011 Fisker Karma
gas engine and generator is then activated, permits the management of the extra 250 million euros, that when its launch, 2011 Fisker Karma comes in 3 versions: EcoStandard and EcoSport EcoChic. EcoSport EcoChic and is basically the choice packages which will be added to the quality EcoStandard.
The introduction of 2011 Fisker Karma can check up on home among the exotic Ferrari and Lamborghini, however rather than four adults and 4 doors. At 196.7 inches long, 2011 Fisker Karma is regarding an in. longer than the Porsche Panamera and an in. shorter than the Aston Martin Rapide Luxe Special Edition � each four-door sedan. Bentley Continental Flying Spur could be a foot longer.
2011 Fisker Karma looks to ride on a standard 22-inch wheels, however some options aren't what they appear. What seems like the rear speakers which will really transmit the synthesized sounds of the engine. True, the 2011 Fisker Karma exhaust pipe at the front low on the bumper where the gas engine and
generator. The roof consists of a customary curved solar panel to capture daylight. Its size prevents it from contributing considerably to electrical cars driving vary, however it helps to stay the fee beneath traditional circumstances.
Saleen S5S Raptor
Morgan Aeromax
Mercedes Allies With Buddh Circuit
Mercedes-Benz has joined hands with the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) with an aim of taking motorsports closer to Indian fans.
The German carmaker has chalked out aggressive plans to provide boost to the ever growing spirit of motoring in India. Mercedes-Benz and JPSI have concluded an agreement whereby Mercedes-Benz cars will be utilized as safety cars for all events taking place at the BIC.
Both partners will jointly set up a Performance Driving Academy by next year to foster potential talent and popularise performance driving. The new academy will offer structured programs, cars, trainers and help groom new talents on the racing circuit. In addition, the company also plans to popularise motorsports through promotional activities, road shows and dealership activations across India. Mercedes-Benz customers will also have exclusive access to use the cars on the race track.
The carmaker will start a nationwide promotional campaign and give motorsport enthusiasts an access to witness the action at the Indian Grand Prix in October. It plans to create Pit Stops at all its dealerships which will put up race tickets and merchandise on sale. Speed Date is another activity planned in the second half of October in Mumbai with participation of over 100 Mercedes-Benz and AMG cars.
Speaking on the occasion, Peter Honegg, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, �Mercedes-Benz is a performance brand and our long association with motorsports is a testimony to this fact. It has been our endeavour to enable more people to experience the performance and dynamism of our cars, and we will continue to do so in times to come.�
Commenting on the partnership, Sameer Gaur, MD & CEO, JPSI Sports added, �We are pleased to have Mercedes-Benz as the Official Partners for Buddh International Circuit. Together with Mercedes-Benz, JPSI will play a pivotal role in popularizing motorsport in India. BIC will act as a new platform to create a talent pool of next gen motorsports champions of India�.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
"Chevrolet's ambition with the fresh ZR1 is to appearance what an American supercar can deliver, at a amount that trumps exotics that amount two, three or four times as abundant - and does so with aberrant driveability," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet accepted manager.
"Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the awful admired Corvette Z06 in every achievement category, from dispatch and braking, to cornering anchor and top speed," said Peper. "It all boils bottomward to the power-to-weight arrangement and the ZR1's is aberrant - more good than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and alike the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is accepted to be the aboriginal assembly Corvette to accomplish a top acceleration of at atomic 200 mph."
The fresh LS9 6.2L small-block agent is the ability bulb the supports the ZR1's achievement capability. The enabler of the LS9's achievement and clarification is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is aggrandized with an chip allegation cooling arrangement that reduces basin air temperature for best performance.
A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 accomplish big ability and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a advanced arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes abundant air to advice the agent advance ability through the high levels of the rpm bandage - the breadth area supercharged achievement tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and failing reciprocating apparatus accredit the engine's assured high-rpm performance.
The LS9 agent is backed by a new, stronger six-speed chiral manual and a twin-disc clamp that accommodate aberrant anchor power, while advancement an accessible clamp effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the manual provides a abrupt first-gear arrangement that helps barrage the car, and top acceleration is accomplished in sixth accessory - a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.
2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept
Here are 2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept. The Cadillac Ciel Concept is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. The four-door Cadillac Ciel Concept embraces the social aspects of a recreational journey, with generous
room for two couples. It evokes the spirit of the classics with a long, low proportion. The doors are French-style, with the rear doors hinged at the rear � there is no B-pillar � to reveal a sweeping view of the dramatic interior. Distinguishing fender lines run from nose to tail, and nickel-plated bright work accents the body lines, enhancing the visual length of the car and honoring Cadillac touring cars of the past.
2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept Exterior. Cadillac Ciel Concept�s exterior flows seamlessly into the cabin, with the body color rolling over on top of the interior door panels. Like the exterior, the passenger space is accented with sweeping nickel-plated trim. It divides the body-color upper sections from a complementing beige lower color. Italian Olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather are elements that flow through the interior, complementing the primary colors with warm, rich tones.
Transparent gauges deliver their information within a detailed, brushed-aluminum housing that has the intricate depth of a high-quality chronograph. They offer dual readouts � analog and digital � as well as an information hierarchy. Additional interior features include:
new 2013 Lexus GS
The all- new 2013 Lexus GS range, this week has been confirmed by Lexus to make its global debut due at Pebble Beach Concours d�Elegance in California next August.
This 2013 Lexus has been built in GS 350 specification which is managed to have its design based on the brutish LF-Gh concept appeared at New York Auto Show this past April.
The latest lexus also will employ a �distinctive� grille design which represents the upcoming generation of Lexus models. According to Lexus, the GS 350 will offer a more defined and emotional design philosophy in sedan styling. Mark Templin who is the boss of Lexus added that the latest Lexus will definitely meet the needs of their customers who have waited GS for a long time. The company will hold a press event in the US this week to announce the engine and other interior details of GS.
A range of exclusive six-cylinder engines which is an upgraded version of the previous 3.5 liter engine will empower the GS, producing increased output and improved fuel consumption. This flagship of Lexus will appear in sportier design along with the normal handling upgrades. The engine of the GS will be paired to a six- speed automatic transmission shifting the seven- and eight-speed options of its competitors. Lexus also stated that the high- powered hybrid GS hybrid will make its performance at September�s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Hard-Top For Ferrari 458 Spider
The new Ferrari 458 Spider will feature a retractable hard-top roof when it breaks cover at next month�s Frankfurt motor show. Although Ferrari has already produced a hard-top convertible in the current California, the 458 Spider will be the first time that it has fitted a folding hard roof to a mid-engined two-seater.
The F430 Spider, released in 2005, was given a soft-top to keep weight down, but Ferrari has made the new machine�s roof using lightweight aluminium, which means the whole roof and its mechanism is 25kg lighter than a soft-top�s would be. Ferrari�s figures give a dry weight of 1430kg for the 458 Spider, making it about 50kg heavier than the Italia.
Packaging considerations also dictated Ferrari�s choice of the hard-top, which can be deployed in 14sec. It was engineered to fit ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or performance. The smaller space needed to house the roof means that there is space for a luggage bench behind the seats.
The operation of the retractable roof uses a central pivot, as opposed to the hinge system which is more common on cabriolets. A similar system was used on the Ferrari 575 Superamerica. On the 458 Spider, the buttresses behind each seat are designed to optimise the flow of air to the engine intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators.
The Spider uses the same 4.5-litre, 578bhp, 55kgm V8 powerplant as the 458 Italia. The throttle pedal mapping and multi-link suspension�s damping have been calibrated specifically for this version, and the engine note has been tuned for top-down driving. An electric wind stop is fitted to reduce noise when the roof is retracted, and normal conversation can be sustained at more than 194kph.
Despite the extra weight, the convertible retains the 0-100kph time of under 3.4sec that the 458 Italia has. Top speed will be around 318kph, compared with the 458 Italia�s 325kph.
Mazda Kazamai
Mazda 6
BMW i3 Concept
The BMW i3 Concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
"This automotive concept uses a new architecture which showcases all of its new possibilities and potential. It is the world's first premium electric vehicle." - Andreas Feist, Head of vehicle project BMW i3.
The BMW i3 is a well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimised to fulfil its
eventual purpose. Central to its design is the innovative LifeDrive architecture, the key to the BMW i3 Concept's appeal as a light, safe and spacious car. Innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design not only enable the i3 Concept to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the
event of a collision, they also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics. The secure arrangement of the battery in the Drive module gives the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution.
The electric motor over the rear axle - which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of
250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill - and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics and give the driver a very immediate experience of the BMW i3 Concept's lightweight design. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100
km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds. The extremely direct sensation at the wheel is expressed in outstanding agility at low speeds and during turning manoeuvres, and makes parking in tricky situations that much easier.
The Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer. Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of
"experiencing" the sustainability of the vehicle. Elements of the instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the seats creates a lounge-style ambience. Together, these materials provide an appealing contrast to the clear
