The Intriguing BMW I8 Concept Car

By Jordan Perch

There has never been a lack of designs that provide us with hints on what the cars of the future are going to look like, with Japan and German car makers making the most interesting and realistic-looking concepts, that could get into mass production in the near future. One such car is the BMW i8 concept, which was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, and it's expected that the Bavarian car manufacturer is going to start producing it in 2013. It's also known as BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, and is part of BMW's "Project i".

This is a plug-in hybrid, that is powered by a high-performance 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder combustion engine, providing 220 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, that works in tandem with two electric motors. This combination provides excellent performances, reminiscent of the best sports cars in the world, but also makes for a very good fuel efficiency at the same time. So, it goes from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. The fuel consumption is rated at 70 mpg, and it has an ultra-low emissions rating of 99 grams per kilometer, according to the manufacturer. You can travel up to 20 miles before the lithium-ion batteries need to be recharged, which is one of the aspects of the i8 that must be improved.

Inside, this coupe can accommodate 4 people, with two pairs of sports leather seats in the front and the back. The control panels and all the instruments are arranged in a way that allows you to enjoy a sporty and aggressive ride, and still be in control of the vehicle. There are three-dimensional displays which give information on engine speed, navigation and entertainment functions, as well as battery levels.

The exterior design makes it look as a real futuristic car. It has a lightweight, aluminum chassis, with the sunroof, windows and windshield made of polycarbonate glass. The doors and the roof are completely transparent, which gives you a clear view of the inside and provides a lot of light into the cabin. But, the innovations don't stop here. The BMW i8 features something that is rarely seen on cars - laser lighting. There are laser headlights instead of LED lights, which makes the car a lot more energy efficient than most similar concept cars.

This amazing sports car should become available for purchase in 2014, and according to some speculations, it will definitely cost over $150,000.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jordan_Perch

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BMW Hybrid Car - Hybrid Technology and Luxury Collide

By Joseph Then

With the rising popularity of hybrid cars these days, many different car manufacturers want to get in on the deal. There is a high demand for vehicles that are environmentally friendly and fuel efficient, which is why manufacturers like BMW want to start producing and selling hybrids as well. Now BMW is going to be providing a BMW hybrid car for those who want the hybrid technology with the customary luxury of a BMW. BMW has always been a great car manufacturer with many great innovations in the past few years, and you can be sure that the new BMW hybrid car is going to live up to the standards of BMW.


A Different Technology

When it comes to the BMW hybrid car, this company is looking at a technology that is a bit different than what most other car manufacturers are using for their hybrid vehicles. They are using a new cutting edge technology and their hybrid vehicle actually runs on gas and Hydrogen, instead of gas and electric. While this is quite a controversial path when it comes to hybrid vehicles, BMW feels that it has solved the previous problems with vehicles that can run on hydrogen.

Hydrogen is Their Goal

The end goal that BMW has in mind is to come with a car that actually runs totally on hydrogen, instead of just having a BMW hybrid car. Of course it is probably going to take the company another 20 years or so to produce a car that can totally run on hydrogen, but BMW is quite optimistic that they can eventually reach this goal. They have spent the last few years working on hydrogen technology, since they feel that hydrogen is definitely a great solution for environmental problems due to regular gasoline engines.

Great Features Still Offered

Of course when it comes to the BMW hybrid car, you are still going to find all the great features that you expect in a car made by BMW. You won’t have to worry about driving along in a car that is cramped and small with an engine that barely has any power. With a BMW, you can be assured that you will still get power, style, elegance, and of course sophistication when you purchased a BMW hybrid car.

Gas Savings and a Cleaner Environment

So, not only are you going to get the luxury and class you expect from BMW, but with the BMW hybrid car you’ll be able to help save the environment. Of course you will also be able to enjoy huge savings on gas as well, since the new hybrids are designed for better gas mileage and of course they use less gas as well. With a BMW hybrid car, technology and luxury truly do combine for an excellent vehicle that is environmentally friendly and stylish as well.

Learn more about Hybrid Cars. Compare the various hybrid cars and understand their benefits. Know what to take note when buying such car. Visit Joseph's website on Hybrid Cars for more useful information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Then

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BMW invents steam-powered hybrid system

Turbosteamer turns engine heat into steam which is used to boost power and efficiency.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Engineers at BMW have created a new type of hybrid powertrain for cars. Instead of electricity, though, this system relies on steam power to boost the engine's performance and save fuel.

About 35 percent of the energy created when an engine burns gasoline is lost as heat, according to the book "The Isaac Newton School of Driving: Physics and Your Car," by Barry Parker.

BMW's Turbosteamer system relies on a heating unit that replaces the muffler. It heats water to temperatures up to 550 degrees. The resultant steam is then carried to what is essentially a small steam engine.

With much of its heat energy converted to motion in the engine, the cooler steam -- now about 150 to 200 degrees -- goes through a system that combines the steam's heat with heat from the car's regular cooling system.

That second system is used to operate another, lower temperature, motor that further boosts the car's power.

A more refined system may be ready for production in about 10 years, the company said.

Taken from CNN dot com

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