Photo: BMW
As we’re writing this article, BMW’s Innovations Days are taking place, revealing what the company sees fit for its future. Earlier today we told you all about the plug-in hybrid 3 Series model that will be launched next year but that’s only a small taste of what’s to come from the Munich-based company in this department.
The Bavarians also used a 5 Series GT to showcase their latest findings in what they call eDrive and the rest of the world calls electric vehicles. Needless to say that the whole thing was focused on making the car as efficient as possible but you should never forget that this is still BMW and that their motto is ‘the ultimate driving machine’.
Therefore, apart from creating zero-emission models, they also have to create models that get your blood flowing at higher speeds than usual. On top of that, they have to take care of their other brands too, including Rolls-Royce which is looked at the moment as the sole responsible for polar bears running out of ice at the North Pole. Let me explain.
The RR badge comes with a set of pre-established values that have to be respected. You’ll never see one of their cars fitted with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Our guess is that they will forever keep the V12 alive, no matter what, even if it means reducing its size. The architecture will remain the same.
We’ll go as low as to admit that they could develop a V8 in the far future but for now, the V12 has to stay. But how do you keep a gas guzzler alive when the EU wants you to make EU6 compliant cars and reduce your emissions drastically until 2020?
Hybridization might be the key. However, it has to be done right, as the customers looking for Rolls-Royce cars have extremely high expectations. Therefore, you have to amaze them and offer the kind of performance nobody else has.
Of course, the variations of this technology are endless. Basically, BMW will use an electric engine in all of its models in the future and the whole thing will start with the 3 Series and X5 next year, when the 328e (or 330e) model will come out, as well as the xDrive40e version on the SUV.
But those are just two of the applications. Other models will get other electric motors as well, coupled with different batteries. On this particular 5 Series GT, the drivetrain was a bit more complicated.
Basically, it was made up of three components. Under the bonnet, powering the front wheels, was a B48 engine as the one used on the 225i Active Tourer, making 231 HP. The other two components were two electric motors similar to the ones used on the i3.
A 204 HP motor was mounted up front as well, while another one making 272 HP was powering the rear axle. The battery used was rather small, being limited at 20kWh and it was mounted longitudinally in the rear center tunnel. It’s extremely small but you need to remind yourself that this is a concept car. In the variations we mentioned, the motors will be smaller while the battery larger for a bigger range.
The new 7 Series and X7 models are expected to dwell into this technology. Another model that we’re all expecting to see is the i8 S that is rumored to use these exact motors and deliver around 650 HP. Hopefully, we won’t be disappointed.
Therefore, apart from creating zero-emission models, they also have to create models that get your blood flowing at higher speeds than usual. On top of that, they have to take care of their other brands too, including Rolls-Royce which is looked at the moment as the sole responsible for polar bears running out of ice at the North Pole. Let me explain.
The RR badge comes with a set of pre-established values that have to be respected. You’ll never see one of their cars fitted with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Our guess is that they will forever keep the V12 alive, no matter what, even if it means reducing its size. The architecture will remain the same.
We’ll go as low as to admit that they could develop a V8 in the far future but for now, the V12 has to stay. But how do you keep a gas guzzler alive when the EU wants you to make EU6 compliant cars and reduce your emissions drastically until 2020?
Hybridization might be the key. However, it has to be done right, as the customers looking for Rolls-Royce cars have extremely high expectations. Therefore, you have to amaze them and offer the kind of performance nobody else has.
Introducing the 670 HP hybrid powertrain
Remember that 5 Series GT we told you about? Well, it was fitted with a powertrain capable of 500 kW. That translates into no less that 670 HP. Furthermore, the torque level rises to 750 lb-ft (1,016 Nm) which is more than... a lot of other cars out there. That kind of performance could make its way into a Rolls-Royce.Of course, the variations of this technology are endless. Basically, BMW will use an electric engine in all of its models in the future and the whole thing will start with the 3 Series and X5 next year, when the 328e (or 330e) model will come out, as well as the xDrive40e version on the SUV.
But those are just two of the applications. Other models will get other electric motors as well, coupled with different batteries. On this particular 5 Series GT, the drivetrain was a bit more complicated.
Basically, it was made up of three components. Under the bonnet, powering the front wheels, was a B48 engine as the one used on the 225i Active Tourer, making 231 HP. The other two components were two electric motors similar to the ones used on the i3.
A 204 HP motor was mounted up front as well, while another one making 272 HP was powering the rear axle. The battery used was rather small, being limited at 20kWh and it was mounted longitudinally in the rear center tunnel. It’s extremely small but you need to remind yourself that this is a concept car. In the variations we mentioned, the motors will be smaller while the battery larger for a bigger range.
More variants coming
The future is looking bright. Thanks to the technology showcased here, BMW is claiming that future models will bring a viable alternative to replacing petrol engines altogether. At the same time, range anxiety will become a thing of the past thanks to the internal combustion units and their tanks.The new 7 Series and X7 models are expected to dwell into this technology. Another model that we’re all expecting to see is the i8 S that is rumored to use these exact motors and deliver around 650 HP. Hopefully, we won’t be disappointed.
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