Reports from automotive website Edmunds Inside Line suggest that BMW is seriously considering a production version of its Vision EfficientDynamics 2+2 plug-in hybrid concept that was unveiled at last September’s Frankfurt Auto Show.
An executive source from within BMW said production volume of the Vision would most likely be between 5000 and 10,000 units, making it “quite probably” the brand’s second true supercar after the Giugiaro M1.
The 265kW/800Nm hybrid powertrain – which comprises a range-extending three-cylinder diesel engine, a lithium-polymer battery stack and two electric motors – will remain mostly unchanged. As BMW’s engineers continue to work on the prototype, however, they are confident that its quoted 4.8 0-100km/h sprint time will be sharpened by production time.
Two things will change for sure if the Vision does make production.
The first is all the fancy synthetic glass, which will be replaced by more familiar materials, although the BMW source was hopeful it would not push its weight too far above the sub-1360kg concept.
The second change will be the name.
“That name that the marketing people forced on us, that’s going to change for sure,” Edmunds’ source said.
With the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz SLS electric already lined-up for production, a similar super-green supercar from the Bavarians as early as 2013 would come as no surprise at all.
(with Edmunds Inside Line)
