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      09-11-2013, 12:31 PM   #1
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Lightbulb Frankfurt IAA 2013: BMW i3 Auto Show Debut

By David J. - September 11, 2013

The BMW i3 electric vehicle [Official Thread] has made its auto show debut at the 2013 Frankfurt IAA show.

The 2014 i3 is priced in the US at $41,350 (before any federal/state electric vehicle incentives) and has a base price of 34,950 Euros in Germany.

As you've seen, the heart and highlight of this year's BMW stand at the Frankfurt show is the elevated track which encircles the entire BMW display. BMW allows attendees at the Frankfurt show to sit in the i3 for a ride around the 300 meter (1,000 feet / .18 miles) track, with a BMW driver behind the wheel of course. The cars often hit up to 50 km/h (31 mph). Check out an on-board lap video below.


Also see: NYC World Premiere Photos.


Vitals

General
  • Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350.
  • $45,200 for Range Extender model. Destination & Handling Fee not included.
  • On Sale: Q2 of 2014 in the USA.
  • BMW’s 360 Electric electro mobility services.
  • BMW i Remote app, which connects with the car.
  • BMW Navigation is standard.
  • BMW Intelligent Emergency Call (‘eCall”), Anti theft alarm and Rear Parking Distance Control are standard.

Driving
  • 170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs of 11,400 rpm.
  • 80-100 mile real-world EV range.
  • 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
  • 650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge, doesn’t power
    wheels.
  • 0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.0 seconds (preliminary).
  • Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
  • BMW’s signature, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
  • Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city driving.
  • Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
  • Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which feeds power
    back into battery.
  • 3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
  • 3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
  • Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins; 100% in
    30 mins.

Chassis and Body
  • Purpose built construction. World’s first mass-produced CFRP-constructed electric vehicle.
  • Built on innovative LifeDrive architecture composed of two parts: Life Module and Drive Module.
  • Life Module is essentially the cabin, constructed from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
  • Drive Module is where all of the powertrain components are housed.
  • Drive Module is made from 100% aluminum.
  • Magnesium cross-member for instrument panel saves 20% weight vs. steel.
  • BMW 1 Series external footprint with BMW 3 Series interior space.
  • Adaptive Full LED headlights and LED taillights (standard in US market).
  • Weighs in at roughly 2,700 lbs.
  • No space-consuming transmission tunnel dividing car’s interior.
  • Pillar-less design with rear coach doors allow for easy entry and exit to rear seats.
  • Driver-oriented super-ergonomic controls.
  • Three vehicle Worlds (trim levels): Mega (standard in US), Giga, and Tera.
  • Standard 19-inch light alloy wheels with unique 155/70 all-season tires. 20-inch light
    alloy wheels optional.
  • No transmission tunnel and low console allows for Slide-through Experience, which
    benefits urban driving by the ability to exit from the passenger side.

Sustainability
  • Made with sustainable, renewable materials.
  • Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant. o Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other components o 25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
  • Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
  • CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA, where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
  • The Leipzig, Germany assembly plant uses wind-generated electricity.
  • Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.



BMW i3 Auto Show Debut at Frankfurt 2013

BMW i3 Auto Show Debut at Frankfurt 2013




BMW i3 On the BMW Display Track

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