11-27-2012, 09:34 AM | #1 |
Administrator
![]() 40799
Rep 21,240
Posts |
![]() ![]() BMW i3 Concept Coupe Electric Car Debuts BMW has pulled off the online wraps off the i concept car making its world debut at the 2012 LA Autoshow this week, and it's not the rumored i4 Coupe. It is however, a coupe version of the BMW i3 - officially called the BMW i3 Concept Coupe. The i3 Concept Coupe is built on the same wheelbase/platform as the four-door i3, and likewise features a carbon fiber reinforced plastic body matched to a 170hp / 184 lb-ft torque electric engine driving the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The interior is the most production ready version in any i3 concept model shown yet and features a layered design mimicking the exterior's layered design. A mixture of leather, wood, wool and other renewable raw materials compose the interior materials. The i3 Concept Coupe is designed to cover a distance of approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) on a full battery charge before it has to be plugged into a charging station again. Compare to the four-door i3's specs: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=565282 For the rest of the details on the i3 Concept Coupe, see the full BMW press release below and here are the world premiere photos from the 2012 LA Auto Show. PRESS RELEASE
+ Expand
|
11-27-2012, 04:23 PM | #2 |
Major General
![]() ![]() 5311
Rep 5,824
Posts |
Just as the BMW i8 Concept Spyder brought a more realistic production appearance to the i8 comes the more realistic production look of the BMW i3.
The i3 Coupe Concept not only previews the final exterior look of the car but 90% of the interior as well. Like the i8 and the other BMW i cars there will be a distinctive futuristic look in material finish and design for the interiors to combine with the modern exterior appearance. The BMW i cars further express their lightweight intentions by extensive glass and minmalistic surfaces. underneath their CFRP bodies. The BMW i3 comes as a five dr first with as a first for a BMW rear hinged doors. The safety of the i3 is testament to its CFRP bodyshell which does without its B-Pillar for added expression of light and a spatial feel. Despite its lack of B-Pillar the i3 is structurally intact in order to perform well in an accident. The final appearance of the i3 is expressive combining string lines and clean surfaces offering modern futuristic minimalsitic appearance. For a car in amongst its competition the i3 in prototype form is proving to be not only very refined but also there is a fair amount of BMW-dynasm to keep the keen driver interested thanks to its very throwable lightweight body, despite being an electric car the i3 loves corners.
__________________
The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 04:49 PM | #3 |
Major General
![]() ![]() ![]() 2452
Rep 7,341
Posts |
It looks really neat although the pizza cutter tires look hilarious. I guess I'm jaded from always looking at performance-oriented cars.
__________________
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi | 2010 S4 Sold | 2010 BMW 135i Retired | 2006 Lotus Exige Sold |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 05:29 PM | #6 |
10810
Rep 27,596
Posts |
looks cool
__________________
![]() BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties! |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 05:41 PM | #9 |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 1924
Rep 2,175
Posts
Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NJ/NY
|
Looks cool. Something I would get for wifey.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 05:57 PM | #11 |
Captain
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() 43
Rep 852
Posts |
Cute little thing this i3 coupe.
However, I don't understand how they were able to create such beautiful flowing lines and surfaces all over the car, but then leave those 2 screens poking out like a TomTom GPS. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 06:11 PM | #12 |
Private First Class
![]() ![]() 26
Rep 126
Posts |
I really like this idea. I hope BMW will produce this coupe/3 door hatch version. I can see myself buying an I3 coupe as a secondary car if it can nail a couple of the main points I want.
1. It needs a range extender that can help extend the range to 180-200 miles. Whether that's the 3 cylinder engine or not doesn't matter to me as much. I just don't think 100 miles of all electric range is enough. The range problem I think the Nissan Leaf shows. 2. Driving dynamics. Just curious what happened to the i4? Last edited by cjwb1984; 11-27-2012 at 06:23 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 06:38 PM | #13 |
Brigadier General
![]() ![]() 504
Rep 3,446
Posts |
The energy density of batteries needs to improve a lot before electric vehicles are desirable. At present, petrol has 5.5 times the energy density per kilogram as the latest lithium batteries.
__________________
See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 07:21 PM | #14 |
Snow Wizard
![]() 35
Rep 425
Posts |
I really like the i3, however, I too have concerns over a couple of minor details:
- Range - Seats Range extender is a must for me as my daily commute is 35 miles each direction with frequent side trips on the way back home. Also, the interior is very futuristic, but the seat base reminds me of a 70's wagon bench seat. There needs to be some design implemented to allow some bolsters in order to make a more comfortable seating position. Just my opinion, but younever really know, I may be convinced to be an early adopter on a short term lease. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 08:12 PM | #16 |
Private
![]() 6
Rep 82
Posts |
I know right? I thought they looked cool, but I was surprised how far from double round headlines they are.
When I saw the first pic, my eyes popped out of my head, and I really thought "hmm, maybe I _could_ hold out for another 10 months..." I think that interior is goooooorgeous. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 08:15 PM | #17 |
TIM YOYO
![]() 1504
Rep 3,283
Posts
Drives: 2013 M3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vero Beach, FL
|
If by Ikea, you mean modern, then yes, I'd agree. Ikea isn't the only place to sell modern furniture though.
__________________
His: 2019 R1250GS - Black
Hers: 2013 X3 28i - N20 Mineral Silver / Sand Beige / Premium, Tech Past: 2013 ///M3 - Interlagos Blue Black M-DCT Past: 2010 135i - TiAg Coral Red 6MT ///M-Sport |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 08:16 PM | #18 |
TIM YOYO
![]() 1504
Rep 3,283
Posts
Drives: 2013 M3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vero Beach, FL
|
I absolutely love it. MODERN!
__________________
His: 2019 R1250GS - Black
Hers: 2013 X3 28i - N20 Mineral Silver / Sand Beige / Premium, Tech Past: 2013 ///M3 - Interlagos Blue Black M-DCT Past: 2010 135i - TiAg Coral Red 6MT ///M-Sport |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 08:39 PM | #19 |
Brigadier General
![]() ![]() 1910
Rep 3,216
Posts
Drives: 2018 BMW 440i GC
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Eastern MA
|
BMW please take note of GM, they can't sell the Volt for $40K, so it is unlikely BMW will be able to sell this for similar price or more expensive. And the Nissan Leaf is virtually non-existent in the US. Americans fear batteries and inconvenience, how are we going to charge these if we run out of charge?
That said, I like the design of the i3, and love the i8 |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 09:34 PM | #20 |
Private
![]() 18
Rep 86
Posts |
Car looks good! I like it.
What is awesome with this car: -Lighweight, use of carbon-fibre and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) -RWD -170hp / 184 lb-ft torque. (Always availabe!) -Low center of gravity (batteries under the floor) -Useable back-seats and no b-pillar -Tyres measuring 155/60 R20 at the front and 175/55 R20 at the rear (makes it feel alive and sporty with that kind of power. Power to rubber ratio/grip is great) -Weight distribution is probably very good. ^Awesome sports-car recipe! Less good: -range of 100miles/160km (not bad, but not very good either- basically as anticipated ) BAD: - NO SPORT, or SPORT+ modes Other: -I have a bad feeling electronics cant be turned properly off and that it generally will not be that sporty driving it on the edge. I fear it will only be good driving it at 8/10ths and not 9-10/10ths.. This could easily be solved by BMW engineers tough.. BMW PLEASE make this an car into an option for those who want a sporty car too. 1- Give it sport mode! (with good steering feel and optimum throttle response and power) /or give it sport suspension and good steering feel. 2- Possibility to turn all electronics completely off 3- No 1-wheel drive problems (some sort of e-LSD) This car have so much potential as a sporty car, but yet they can so easily ruin it by not fixing that little list above, which seem to be mostly software if the chassis is good. It have many of the same attributes as the Toyota GT86 and BMW E30 M3, only in a electric eco friendly city-style car. :P If they don't ruin it, and make it appeal to the more "hardcore/entusiast/sportscar driver" on top of the assumed customers than this car could have a much larger market! I would probably be among the customers on the waiting list if they don't mess it up and gets it into production soon. Norway is currently a huge market for EV cars with good incentives and low prices on EV cars and extreme prices on normal cars. In October Nissan Leaf was recently among the top 10 best selling cars, and they are taking more and more market shares every month. We have over 1000 orders on the Tesla Model S, even though almost nobody have driven them and despite our low population. Combine US California with Norway, and this would probably sell 3000++ units in just those two places within first 12 months. At least if its made right and production starts soon. Would easily sell for 50.000+ USD here. Jason and Scott26. Is there a possibility this car could make me a happy customer and suit other sport-car enthusiasts too? Last edited by BMW-RaceR; 11-27-2012 at 10:25 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-27-2012, 09:48 PM | #21 |
Lieutenant Colonel
![]() ![]() 824
Rep 1,584
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Tags |
bmw i3 concept coupe, bmw i3 coupe, bmw i3 coupe forum, bmw i3 forum, bmw i3 forums, i3 forum, i3 forums |
|
|