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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
BMW continues to embrace hybrid powertrains for its future vehicles

Yesterday, DailyTech reported on VW's intention to bring a diesel-electric hybrid Golf to market. The hybrid powertrain would boost fuel economy to nearly 70 MPG on the small two/four-door hatchback.

BMW also has diesel-electric hybrids on the brain with its new Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle. The concept is based on the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and uses a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder Variable Twin Turbo diesel engine. The diesel motor develops 204 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Unlike the previous BMW X6 ActiveHybrid concept vehicle which was a full hybrid, the Vision EfficientDynamics is a mild-hybrid vehicle. A 15kw generator boosts total power to 221 HP, while regenerative braking steps in to help power the vehicle's electrical systems and recharge the rear-mounted lithium-ion battery pack.

Power is routed through a new ZF-manufactured 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels thanks to BMW's xDrive AWD system.

Further electrical power for the vehicle comes from a one square meter solar panel mounted on the roof of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept. The panel can generate one kW hour of energy to help power ventilation systems, audio equipment and facilitate in-vehicle device charging (i.e., iPods, cell phones, etc.).

The advanced powertrain coupled with exterior refinements including aerodynamic spokes on the rims allow the Vision EfficientDynamics concept to achieve 36 MPG combined. The vehicle can accelerate to 60 MPH in 8.9 seconds and towing capacity is a respectable 5,000 pounds.

BMW has a number of diesel vehicles heading to the U.S. in the coming years. Within the next year, the U.S. will see a 335d and an X5 xDrive35d -- both will feature a 3.0-liter Variable Twin Turbo diesel engine which produces 265 HP and a tire-shredding 425 lb-ft of torque.

Hopefully, the four-cylinder diesel-electric mild hybrid powertrain won't be far behind in making its way to future BMW models.

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8 speed automatic??
By DeepBlue1975 on 2/22/2008 6:15:43 PM , Rating: 2
I don't understand why, as this is a concept, didn't use a CVT instead.
The main problems of CVTs (that is, handling powerful engines) are on the way to be addressed and if I remember it right, there are some vehicles out there with a CVT and more than 200HP.




RE: 8 speed automatic??
By Lonyo on 2/22/2008 6:42:32 PM , Rating: 2
Wikipedia says:
quote:
BMW used a belt-drive CVT as an option for the low and middle range MINI in 2001, forsaking it only on the supercharged version of the car where the increased torque levels demanded a conventional automatic gearbox. The CVT could also be manually "shifted" if desired with software simulated shift points.

Since this is a diesel, it may be that the high torque is more of a concern than the hp.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By Hare on 2/23/2008 2:43:36 AM , Rating: 2
True. CVT can't handle the torque of a large diesel engine (at least if cost is a concern). If I remember correctly Audi only uses CVT transmission on cars with max 310nm torque (about 120 lb-ft torque). Both BMW and Audi use transmissions from ZF.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By Hare on 2/23/2008 2:47:00 AM , Rating: 2
I made a small calculation error. 310 Nm should be around 230 Lb-Ft.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By Samus on 2/23/2008 8:03:39 AM , Rating: 2
If CVT were so robust, it'd be in everything, but instead is reserved for cars with around 100ft/lbs of torque, usually 1.3-1.5l engine sizes. You will never see a CVT with a deisel (unless it isn't boosted, which most are these days) because the low end torque stretches the o-ring chain or belt.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By MachFive on 2/23/2008 7:11:27 PM , Rating: 3
The Saturn Vue featured a CVT on its I4 and V6 models, and they both produced more than 100 ft/lbs of torque.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By werepossum on 2/22/2008 7:23:15 PM , Rating: 2
I don't remember the brand, but there was a commercial truck in the 50's (I think) that used a CVT transmission - I drove one once, and it wasn't bad or annoying. I also drove a Dodge with a CVT before I bought my last Tracker, and that was particularly irritating. It might have kept the motor at its most efficient RPM, but it definitely kept the motor at its most annoying RPM.

Are we getting close to plug-in, electric motor drive hybrids with IC charging and backup? I know the army has had an M113 driven by two electric motors via battery packs, with a genset to keep the batteries charged, for quite some time, and it works great. Looks like this technology should be ready for general use by now.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By Alexstarfire on 2/22/2008 7:40:44 PM , Rating: 1
Since it's a concept it's likely to never see production anyways.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By soydios on 2/22/2008 10:52:53 PM , Rating: 2
since it's a concept it's likely well see elements of it in production within ten years.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By AlexWade on 2/22/2008 10:06:22 PM , Rating: 2
Nissan has been using CVT for their Altima and Maxima for a few years now. The Maxima has around 270 HP with a 3.5L V6. I've been in a V4 CVT Altima and Nissan has it working well. It is the same engine in both, but the Maxima engine is tuned for a few more HP.

I don't think they are going to put in their 350Z or GT-R. But if you get an automatic transmission with those you are making a big mistake. A sports car with an automatic or CVT transmission is like a bicycle without a seat, it is just plain wrong.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By FITCamaro on 2/23/2008 9:46:24 AM , Rating: 3
They don't make V4s.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By AlexandertheBlue on 2/24/2008 12:48:14 PM , Rating: 2
not for cars anyway, not for a long time.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By FoxFour on 2/25/2008 1:36:54 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
But if you get an automatic transmission with those you are making a big mistake. A sports car with an automatic or CVT transmission is like a bicycle without a seat, it is just plain wrong.


Hmmm... the Bugatti Veyron uses an automatic transmission. Now you need to explain why it's OK in a supercar but not a "sports" car.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By semo on 2/25/2008 6:36:56 AM , Rating: 3
it's a 7 speed dual clutch dsg "manual" transmission.


RE: 8 speed automatic??
By Spuke on 2/25/2008 11:30:01 PM , Rating: 2
Yup. A lot people think that if there's no clutch pedal then it's an auto. Sorry, but what determines the differences between the two lie inside the transmission itself, not the passenger compartment.

What's interesting is the manufacturers always provide this info in their press releases and the car rags repeat that info. Just more proof that most people don't read.


So...
By FITCamaro on 2/22/2008 6:02:12 PM , Rating: 2
What happens on a cloudy day? No radio or ventilation?




RE: So...
By othercents on 2/22/2008 6:11:31 PM , Rating: 2
Says used for Prewarming of transmission fluid. I'm guessing you won't be able to drive but everything else should work. BTW. there still is a 4 cylinder engine on the beast.

Other


RE: So...
By semo on 2/22/2008 7:37:19 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
The panel can generate one kW hour of energy to help power ventilation systems, audio equipment and facilitate in-vehicle device charging (i.e., iPods, cell phones, etc.).
i liked volvo's idea of using a solar panel to power a some sort of a fan that sucks pollutants and filters the air. can't remember what the concept was called but i think it's a great idea. i think air quality would be greatly improved in certain spots if all cars had this.


I love
By agentjka03 on 2/22/2008 6:02:15 PM , Rating: 2
That they threw the rims in there.




RE: I love
By Mojo the Monkey on 2/22/2008 6:56:49 PM , Rating: 2
oh of course, they must account for 75% of the efficiency increase in the overall design. Doesnt the polished exhaust pipe reduce drag too?

heheh


RE: I love
By Ringold on 2/23/2008 1:48:07 AM , Rating: 2
They should've made them spinners; word on the street is that they have a net positive propulsive effect. ;)


very pretty
By Macuser89 on 2/22/2008 6:03:49 PM , Rating: 2
Reminds me of the Chrysler Pacifica.




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