BMW Vision EfficientDynamics-Inspired Sports Car Previewed

WITH THE REVEAL this year of its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept and the earlier (2008) M1 Homage, speculation is growing that BMW is developing a new sports car.

And if the 'green' credentials of these recent concept studies are any indication, BMW could be looking to create a vehicle born of equal parts environmental and performance capability.

BMW has not confirmed any such production schedule, but there are reports of a push within the company for approval of a low volume production run of a green sports coupe starting in late 2012.

The goal would be a two-seater sports car to act as a rolling showcase for BMW’s most sophisticated environmental technologies.

While these renderings are purely speculative, the style of the car would concievably follow the design themes established by the M1 Homage and Vision EfficientDynamics concepts.

Possible powertrains also remain purely speculation. A tuned version of BMW’s twin-turbo inline 3.0 litre six, or possibly a 1.5 litre three-cylinder hybrid drivetrain - as used in the EfficientDynamics concept - could be under consideration.

Direct injection, stop-start, regenerative braking, smart alternators and extensive use of lightweight materials throughout the car can be expected.

If there is anything to the reports (and time will tell), expect power figures of around 260kW and 675Nm, and a 0-100km/h sprint of less than 5.0 seconds.