BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Commercial Previews the i8

Presented a while ago, at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, the stunning Vision EfficientDynamics concept prepared by BMW as a precursor of the future top-of-the-line i8 model received this month its own dedicated video ad, the first that tells the world a little something about what the model is expected to become for a car maker that has dedicated an entire division to creating premium hybrid and electric cars.

Already confirmed for production as the i8, the Vision EfficientDynamics is likely to be powered by a diesel-hybrid power train that delivers a combined output of 328 hp. The acceleration of the model is expected to be at about 4.8 seconds, while the fuel consumption, the main reason it was built, stands at about 3.76l/100 km (75.1 mpg).

The powertrain itself, as shown on the Frankfurt concept, pairs a 1.5l three-cylinder TDI engine (163 hp) to two electric motors, one producing 33 hp and the second 80 hp. A temporary boost feature allows the unit to produce, for 30 seconds, 112 hp.
The model, when launched in the next few years, is expected to become one of the most expensive BMWs on the market, with a price tag estimated at $200,000.

The development and production of the i8 will be handled by the new i division of BMW, the bigger, more organized version of what was until recently the i Project. Set up in February this year, the company is expected to span its first product (most likely, that product will be called the i3) within the next two years.