“We believe that for the United States, this is going to be very important.” – Julian Arguelles
Let there be no doubt, BMW is serious about electric vehicles.
The German automaker said this week it will make plug-in hybrid versions of all of its core models, an aggressive move that demonstrates its commitment to electric propulsion systems. BMW did not specify which vehicles will get the plug-in systems or provide a timeline for when they will arrive.
But the announcement is clearly more than blustering, and the company revealed a 3 Series plug-in prototype this week at an event in France. BMW said the 3 Series uses a version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (240 horsepower, 300 pound feet of torque) with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission in place of the torque converter. It has an all-electric range of 22 miles. A plug-in X5 with the same powertrain was also displayed alongside the 3 Series, though the X5 has been on the auto-show circuit for more than a year, including a recent stop in Los Angeles.
Those two vehicles use “eDrive,” and BMW’s plans represent the first widespread transfer of its technology from development of the i3 and i8 models to more mainstream products.
BMW said it’s developing electric powertrains so they can be deployed rapidly across its range, and they are flexible enough to be used with fuel cells in future products.
Enticingly, BMW is also working on a “Power eDrive” system, which debuted in a 5 Series GT concept at the event in France. This setup has two electric motors powered by a 20-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and when teamed with a four-cylinder turbo, pump out about 670 hp.
Reinforcing BMW’s commitment, the company will add more than 200 jobs at its factory in Dingolfing, Germany, to support electric-vehicle development. The moves come as BMW and other automakers diversify their portfolios while fuel economy and emissions regulations are getting tighter around the world. The United States has set a 54.5-mpg CAFE requirement for the 2025 model year. BMW said the electric vehicles were developed with an eye toward the US market, its government policies and its wide-ranging commuting styles.
“We believe that for the United States, this is going to be very important,” spokesman Julian Arguelles said.
Ben Scott, a senior analyst in London with automotive research firm IHS, said BMW’s moves are expensive – but necessary – to keep pace with the market. The automaker’s German rivals, Volkswagen Group and Mercedes-Benz, have increasingly stressed electric propulsion.
“Ultimately, it comes down to consumer preferences, and plug-in electric hybrids are one step toward making that full electrification,” he told Autoblog.
Other News And Views
2015 Chevy Corvette Z06s deliveries begin
If you’re reading this, you could have a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in your driveway. Of course, if you did, why would you be reading this? Deliveries of the most powerful Corvette ever began earlier this week, General Motors said Monday, positioning some of the Vettes to reach customers by now. Production began in November at the factory in Bowling Green, KY, though deliveries didn’t start immediately as Chevy performed final quality checks on the cars.
Revealed at the 2014 Detroit auto show, the new Z06 is one of the most anticipated launches of the year. It’s a landmark car for Chevy and the long line of Z06s. It’s the first Z06 with an automatic transmission (an eight-speed unit with paddle shifters), the first with supercharging and the first true convertible since a limited-run racing package was offered in 1963. It starts at $78,995 for the coupe and $83,995 for the drop top. The car’s Performance Data Recorder feature – which allows enthusiasts to track and record their performance behind the wheel – was a finalist for Autoblog‘s Technology of the Year award.
Aston Martin designs DB10 for James Bond film
Mr. Bond, your car is ready – and it’s different than you might recall. Aston Martin designed a slinky new sports car, called the DB10, for the upcoming James Bond film, Spectre. The sports car is being produced specifically for the movie, but Aston is actually making 10 copies of the DB10. Powertrain details weren’t specified.
Aston design chief Marek Reichman’s team collaborated with the movie’s director, Sam Mendes, on the styling. The DB10 also is “a glimpse to the future design direction” for Astons, the company said. Spectre, which again stars Daniel Craig as Bond, is scheduled for release in November 2015.
Toyota Tacoma heads for Detroit debut
Fans hungry for a new Taco, take note: The next generation of the Toyota Tacoma will debut in January at the 2015 Detroit auto show. While specifics were not immediately known, the debut reinforces Toyota’s commitment to the midsize truck market, which has experienced a rebirth with the launch of the 2015 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Toyota senior vice president Bob Carter confirmed the Tacoma’s reveal, and also said Lexus will show two performance models in the Motor City. Again, no details, though he added: “I’ll leave it at that, but I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
