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i3 Coupe Concept continues to evolve BMW's electric aspirations



 
 
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Old December 16th 12, 09:27 PM posted to alt.autos.bmw
MummyChunk
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Default i3 Coupe Concept continues to evolve BMW's electric aspirations

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The future promises even greater agility:The BMW i3 Concept Coupe.

The world premiere of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe sees the BMW Group
unveil a particularly nimble and emotive version of its concept for
sustainable premium-class motoring with zero local emissions. The
study presented at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show has been brought out
in parallel to the ongoing development process for getting the first
ever all-electric model from the BMW i brand ready for series
production, and demonstrates the potential for conceivably extending
the model range. The state-of-the-art, clean-cut and open design
showcased by the BMW i3 Concept Coupe represents a pioneering form of
urban mobility that makes sustainability awareness an intrinsic part
of the premium profile. Beyond this, the three-door model employs the
design idiom that has been created especially for the BMW i cars to
convey an undeniable sense of dynamism and driving pleasure.

The carbon-fibre body's visual impact is largely shaped by the
gracefully flowing coupe roof line and the fresh interpretation of the
BMW i "stream flow" design that can be seen in the side
window styling, and gives an instant impression of lightness,
transparency and streamlined aerodynamic qualities. On the inside, the
sense of spaciousness typical of the BMW i brand is combined with an
exclusive lounge-style ambience in the two individual rear seats. The
BMW i3 Concept Coupe furthermore assumes the title of the world's
first fully networked electric vehicle. Thanks to the inclusion of
innovative BMW ConnectedDrive functions that have been devised by BMW
i for use in production vehicles, operation of the navigation system
as well as the information transfer between the vehicle, the outside
world and the driver's smartphone has been geared towards the specific
requirements of e-mobility.

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe sharply focuses the spotlight on the dynamic
performance that can be achieved with the purely electric version of
the BMW eDrive technology. Like the BMW i3 Concept, the Coupe is also
propelled by an electric motor developed by the BMW Group, which
develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak torque of 250
Newton metres (184 lb-ft), and channels its instantaneous power
delivery to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The
electric motor draws its energy from the lithium-ion storage cells
under the floor. Positioning the battery units here has the effect of
lowering the centre of gravity considerably, which further adds to the
vehicle's sensationally agile handling.

The LifeDrive concept for the BMW i vehicle architecture is
instrumental in enabling a brand new vehicle character to be married
so harmoniously with BMW eDrive, a technology that is already nearing
production standard. The horizontally split construction consisting of
two self-contained elements intrinsically focuses on the technical
requirements of the electric drive train, and helps to produce a
design concept, sense of spaciousness and driving experience that are
unique to BMW i cars.

The passenger cell forms the core of the Life module, which is built
from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). BMW i is scaling new
heights for automotive engineering by making such extensive use of
this high-tech material. Because it is extremely light yet very strong
too, CFRP opens up tremendous scope for design and therefore has all
the right credentials for translating the inimitable and unmistakable
BMW i design idiom into a wide array of variants. On the BMW i3
Concept Coupé, the drive system, chassis and energy storage unit,
along with the structural and crash functions, are once again
incorporated into the Drive module that is made chiefly of aluminium.

Measuring 3,964 millimetres in length, 1,768 wide and 1,555 high, the
BMW i3 Concept Coupe can be noted for its highly individual
proportions. When compared directly to the BMW i3 Concept, the new
study has a broader, lower-slung look that serves to highlight its
agile nature at first glance. The wheelbase, on the other hand, is
unchanged from that of the standard BMW i3 at 2,570 millimetres.

Body design: LifeDrive architecture sporting new look and colour
scheme.

Transferring the design idiom developed specifically for BMW i cars to
a coupe concept has resulted in a body whose styling smacks of fun at
the wheel while still plainly signalling sustainable mobility. The BMW
i3 Concept Coupe's looks let the brand values of efficiency,
lightness, safety and premium quality clearly shine through, along
with the study's distinctly dynamic bias. The exterior surfaces and
colour scheme are structured in such a way as to visualise the basic
construction defined by the LifeDrive architecture. The principle of
overlapping levels known as "layering" serves to symbolise
the harmonious interaction between the striking construction and
design elements of the Life and Drive modules, as well as providing
the basis for a transparency in the vehicle design that reinforces the
concept's sustainability. For instance, the structure of the
carbon-fibre material employed in the Life module can be clearly seen
in the entrance area and the roof pillars when the door is opened. It
is here, as the two-dimensional CFRP laminate typically used for
load-bearing elements comes into view, that the material's composition
becomes particularly apparent.

The bodywork panels around the wheel arches, doors and rear sidewalls
are painted in Solar Orange metallic, a warm shade bursting with
energy that was created especially for the BMW i3 Concept Coupe. It
forms an electrifying contrast with the high-gloss black finish on the
bonnet, roof and boot lid, as well as with the body's black lower
edge.

The front apron includes black embedded elements designed to create an
air curtain effect that carefully directs the airflow in the vicinity
of the wheel arches. The rear apron's lower section incorporates a
diffuser component to optimise flow conditions towards the rear of the
vehicle's underside. The licence plate holder features a narrow border
in Solar Orange, while the U-shaped rear light clusters are integrated
into the rear window, just as they are on the BMW i3 Concept.
Contrasting touches of Frozen Grey matt for the BMW kidney grille and
the sill lines along the sides are specific to this model and add to
its visual appearance. The brand emblems in Stream Blue at the front
and rear and on the wheel hubs are characteristic BMW i features.
Innovative coupe lines spell pure driving pleasure.

A steeply raked windscreen that extends a long way forward and a roof
line that descends gently into the vehicle's tail are the defining
features of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe silhouette. The long doors with
frameless windows also have a typical coupe feel to them. The specific
way in which a CFRP passenger cell is constructed means there is no
need for a B-pillar. Not only does this facilitate access to the rear
seats, it gives extra impact to the dynamic flow of lines visible in
the window styling.

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe includes a fresh interpretation of the
brand's hallmark "stream flow" design for the side window
contours between the doors and the C-pillars. As a result of the
enclosed body concept around the doors and the rear sidewalls, the
ratio between the body's basic structure and the window area is
clearly marked by the shoulder line. The latest version of the window
outline tapers sharply towards the rear, once again putting clear
emphasis on the vehicle's excellent aerodynamic properties. The upper
and lower edges are spaced particularly far apart on the BMW i3
Concept Coupe, producing an enlarged window area at the rear. This
means that, in contrast to conventional coupes, passengers in the rear
compartment are able to enjoy a remarkable sense of spaciousness and
feel far more involved in the driving experience.

The highly distinctive and dynamic view of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe in
profile is completed by the gently rising swage line on a level with
the door openers, as well as a striking character line that produces
an intriguing interplay between light and shade just above the side
sills. The exterior mirrors also sport a design that's specific to
this model, with black mirror bases and caps in Solar Orange metallic
that pick up on the body's overall colour scheme. 20-inch light-alloy
wheels in double-spoke design further intensify the car's sporting
aura. As is customary for BMW i models, they are shod with
comparatively narrow, reduced rolling-resistance tyres measuring
155/60 R20 at the front and 175/55 R20 at the rear.

All in all, the even more purist interpretation of the design idiom
compared to the BMW i3 Concept, coupled with the more horizontal focus
of the exterior's styling, highlights the car's enhanced aerodynamic
properties. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe therefore epitomises the future
of urban mobility, at the same time as instilling it with a distinct
sense of sportiness and emotional appeal.

Interior: inviting, spacious, clear-cut and inspiring.

Individual styling and material selection ensure that the brand's
trademark principles of sustainability, lightness and transparency are
applied to genuine effect in the interior design of BMW i models, too.
The interior of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe illustrates how the cockpit
design has evolved as it is readied for series production, while at
the same time creating an individual ambience that fits in with the
concept of a sporty three-door car. The layering structure employed
for the exterior once again underpins the arrangement of the function
elements and controls, while a mixture of leather, wood, wool and
other renewable raw materials ensures that the car's premium
characteristics, including the new aspect of sustainability, can be
both plainly seen and felt.

The freestanding steering column's two-part design with its light and
graceful feel is further accentuated by the colour scheme. All
supporting elements are finished in a light grey colour, whereas the
steering wheel's outer grip areas and all controls are coloured black.
Besides the display that acts as the instrument cluster and the
control stalks for the direction indicators and windscreen wipers, the
steering column is also home to the electronic gearshift lever and the
Start-Stop button.

Above the steering column and behind the instrument cluster, there is
a horizontally mounted wooden panel that spans the full width of the
interior in a dynamic sweep. Sourced from certified sustainably
managed European forests and treated using natural materials, the
light eucalyptus wood adds a real touch of class, and is made all the
more noticeable by the contrast with the black, three dimensionally
shaped controls. The control panels on either side of the steering
column are bordered by brushed aluminium accent strips. The sweeping
design of the eucalyptus wood panel is echoed by the contour of the
armrests in the doors, meaning that the driver and front passenger are
encircled by a series of harmoniously styled surfaces.

At the cockpit's centre, the bottom of the dashboard terminates in a
flat control panel that is angled slightly towards the driver and is
used to operate the climate control and audio functions as well as
housing the favourite buttons for the iDrive system. The iDrive
Controller and direct menu control buttons are located on the centre
console between the driver and front passenger on a level with the
seat cushions. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe has also kept the area between
the dashboard and seat cushions completely clear across the cockpit's
entire width. Its particular drive concept, furthermore, dispenses
with the need for the transmission tunnel normally found on
conventional vehicles, resulting in a completely open space connecting
the left and right footwells. Not only does this create an impression
of roominess, it can be of practical benefit, too, as it allows the
driver to easily swap to the front passenger seat and get out on that
side – a real boon, for example, when using city-centre parking spots
so tight that the driver's door cannot be opened.

Sustainability blended with sophistication: surfaces made from
renewable resources and naturally treated materials.

The manually adjustable seats with integrated head restraints that
were specially designed for the BMW i3 Concept Coupe are upholstered
in a blend of warm-toned textured wool yarn and a cool-looking
monofilament material. The elegant, sporty colour scheme's light grey
tones also reflect the sustainable character of the natural materials.
The door support panels made from anthracite-coloured kenaf fibre are
perfectly in keeping with this, and also blend harmoniously with the
doors' leather trim panels. The leather adorning the interior of the
BMW i3 Concept Coupe is treated using natural products exclusively,
with an extract from the leaves of the olive tree serving as the
tanning agent.

There are two individual seats in the rear of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe
where passengers are able to savour a whole new form of motoring
comfort in a lounge-style ambience. The seat backrests both curve
outwards prominently to form a seamless connection with the rear
panelling. Whereas the seating position engenders a feeling of
security, the windows – which are exceptionally large for the rear of
a coupe – make passengers there feel more part of the driving
experience. After tilting the front seat backrests forwards, getting
in and out of the rear is facilitated by leather-trimmed grab handles
that double as belt feeders for the driver and front passenger.

Display and control concept featuring the very latest display
technology.

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe comes with two top-class displays, which
provide the interfaces for the exchange of information between vehicle
and driver and for operating the infotainment and communications
functions. Information that can help to make driving a more
comfortable, efficient and safe experience is flashed up in the
displays. The navigation system, meanwhile, is networked with the
outside world via BMW i ConnectedDrive.

Information is visualised in the form of three-dimensional,
high-resolution graphics depicted in the reduced style typical of the
BMW i brand. The task of the instrument cluster is assumed by a 6.5
inch (16.5 centimetre) screen positioned on the steering column, where
all driving-related information appears in digital form. The second
display in the centre of the dashboard is positioned at exactly the
same height for perfect legibility. With a screen diagonal of 8.8
inches (22.4 centimetres), it enables detailed graphics to be
reproduced, just like the central information display in BMW
production cars. This screen is used, for instance, to display the
functions of the navigation system including the BMW i ConnectedDrive
services. The information provided by the functions familiar from BMW
ConnectedDrive is likewise shown here. This central information
display also serves to keep the driver and front passenger fully
informed of the vehicle's status and the drive system's operating
mode.

The two displays have been designed to interact in such a way that the
information shown is distributed between the two screens as the
situation dictates. In the case of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe, their
interaction is best illustrated by a typical urban mobility scenario.
When the car is started, the instrument cluster springs to life first.
It signals that the vehicle is ready to start with a welcome sequence
whose animation spreads to the central information display. In the
meantime, the system has already connected to the drive's smartphone
and is showing current calendar entries. Shortly afterwards the driver
receives a text message with the agreed venue for his meeting. The
address data are automatically used to generate a navigation
destination, which then appears on the central information display.
The driver learns that his destination is within the vehicle's range
and he is advised to recharge the car there. Shortly before arrival at
the destination, various charging stations in the vicinity are
displayed and the driver is offered the option of booking one of them.
He confirms and books the nearest one. During the journey the driver
can also find out about the restaurant he is heading for as well as
listening to personal playlists. On arrival, the driver hooks the
vehicle up to the charging station. The illustration of the different
functions is rounded off by an animated charging graphic that appears
on both displays when recharging the battery.

COMFORT, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+: three driving modes for the ideal mix
of driving pleasure and efficiency.

The range covered by vehicles with an all-electric drive is very much
dependent on driving style, just as fuel consumption is in
conventionally powered cars. The BMW i3 Concept Coupe helps the driver
to optimise efficiency by choosing an appropriate vehicle set-up. The
Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console can be used to
select the three driving modes, COMFORT, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+. The
sportiness and comfort of the BMW i3 Concept Coupe can be best
experienced in the standard COMFORT setting. ECO PRO mode places the
focus more on economical energy management for an increased range and
even cleaner performance. The accelerator mapping is modified, for
example, so that the same pedal travel delivers less power. At the
same time, the heating and air conditioning are switched into a more
energy-efficient operating mode. Changing from COMFORT to ECO PRO mode
can extend the vehicle's range by as much as 20 per cent.

Efficiency can be boosted yet further in ECO PRO+ mode, which is
designed to do everything possible to maximise driving range. So, not
only is the accelerator mapping modified, maximum speed is also
limited to 90 km/h (56 mph). Comfort functions such as the heating and
air conditioning are furthermore run at the minimum level required to
prevent the windows from misting up, for instance. Electrical
consumers like the seat heating, mirror heating and non-essential
components of the daytime running lights are even switched off
completely. As a result of all this, more miles can be added to the
vehicle's range.

Total networking thanks to BMW i ConnectedDrive with specific
functions.

The BMW eDrive system fitted in the BMW i3 Concept Coupe is designed
to allow the vehicle to cover a distance of around 160 kilometres (100
miles) on a full battery charge before it has to be plugged into a
charging station again. This range comfortably allows it to be used
for more than just urban mobility.

Thanks to the BMW i ConnectedDrive services that were
purpose-developed for electric mobility applications powered by BMW
eDrive technology, the driver receives realistic estimates of his
vehicle's current range, which can be viewed even before setting off.
The BMW i3 Concept Coupe therefore assumes the title of the world's
first fully networked electric vehicle.
Precise, reliable, realistic: driving range display in the navigation
system with BMW i ConnectedDrive services.

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe is equipped with a navigation system
featuring BMW i ConnectedDrive services. Both the navigation system
and the BMW i ConnectedDrive services have been carefully tailored to
the specific demands of electric mobility. Apart from the route
guidance function, the system also offers drivers assistance with
their mobility requirements that extends beyond just the journey
planning. One of the key elements of the networked navigation unit is
a dynamic range display, which delivers precise, reliable readings by
factoring in all relevant variables.

The battery's charge status, driving style, activity of electric
comfort functions and the selected driving mode are all taken into
account for the calculation, along with the route's topography and
current traffic levels. The system is therefore able to make allowance
for the extra energy used up for both an upcoming climb and stop/start
traffic or traffic jams, and lowers its range calculation accordingly.
Up-to-the-minute and detailed real-time traffic data is also added to
the equation. The information is analysed and evaluated centrally by
the BMW ConnectedDrive server that stays in permanent communication
with the vehicle thanks to its built-in SIM card. The SIM card's fixed
installation ensures an optimum connection at all times throughout the
vehicle's life.

The dynamic range display is visualised on the vehicle's central
information display not only as a figure but also as a peripheral
contour within the navigation map. Taking the vehicle's current
location as a starting point, all points that can be reached with the
available energy reserves are joined up to form a peripheral contour.
Since the driver is able to actively influence the vehicle's energy
consumption and therefore its range by switching the driving mode, the
graphical representation of the range calculation is always made
available in two variants, allowing the driver to view the relevant
current range regardless of whether the COMFORT, ECO PRO or ECO PRO+
mode is selected.

When route guidance is activated, the driver is given a precise and
true-to-reality indication of whether the destination is within range
and how much energy he has to spare. The most efficient route is also
shown as an alternative to the fastest. If necessary, the Range
Assistant will even recommend changing to ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode in
order to increase the range. This function clearly demonstrates the
interaction between the tailored route guidance for electric vehicles
from BMW i ConnectedDrive and the special energy management from
Efficient Dynamics.

If desired, the driver is able to call up a charging station near to
his destination and reserve it with another push of a button. The
system additionally notifies him of the charging time required before
commencing the return journey or the onward journey to the next
destination. The wealth of functions offered by the navigation system
with BMW i ConnectedDrive services makes it possible to plan out
journeys using electric power alone with supreme precision,
reliability and convenience.

Intelligent networking simplifies mobility planning: a smartphone app
with eRemote function developed by BMW ConnectedDrive for BMW i.

The mobility planning information provided is made available on the
customer's smartphone as well as in the vehicle courtesy of a
smartphone app for the iOS and Android operating systems which was
specially developed for BMW i. The app is a further development of the
eRemote functions from BMW ConnectedDrive and offers the driver
constant access to the vehicle data and relevant route planning
information. Thanks to this intelligent networking, customers are able
to check the vehicle's status or plan out upcoming journeys in the BMW
i3 Concept Coupe from the comfort of their office or even over
breakfast.

If the vehicle is plugged into a public charging station or the BMW i
wallbox, the charging procedure can be controlled both remotely and
via a timer function. The range display shown in the BMW i navigation
system can also be viewed on the smartphone in exactly the same format
as in the vehicle. The BMW i app can additionally be used to search
for and select either a navigation destination or a free charging
station and then import it to the vehicle's system. Available charging
stations are indicated in both the navigation unit and the BMW i app,
which also show whether the stations are currently free.

When the customer leaves the vehicle at the journey's end, he can
furthermore use the pedestrian navigation function built into the BMW
i app to guide him to his final destination. For this, the navigation
destination selected by the driver in the vehicle is automatically
transferred to the BMW i app via the BMW ConnectedDrive server.

The route planning function that was specially developed for BMW i and
the specific requirements of urban centres also includes local public
transport networks, allowing the available transport connections to be
taken into account if required. This gives the driver the option of
selecting an intermodal route in his BMW i car, whereupon he is first
directed to a public car park by the navigation system. After leaving
his vehicle, he now uses the BMW i app to guide him first to the
correct bus or tram stop and then on to his destination while
completing the final leg of the journey on foot.

In addition to this, BMW i also offers pioneering mobility services
that can be incorporated into the customer's mobility planning. These
include the premium car-sharing service DriveNow, which has been
available in Germany since 2011 and, since September 2012, in San
Francisco as well. It was here that the ParkNow facility was also
introduced as a world first, enabling parking spaces to be booked via
a smartphone app. ParkNow and other services are provided to the
customer via BMW ConnectedDrive and made available to use in the
navigation system.

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