BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Confirmed For 2011 AIMS

BMW has announced today that its i8 supercar-inspiring Vision EfficientDynamics concept will make its local debut at next month's 2011 Australian International Motor Show.

Confirmation of the sleek concept's AIMS appearance follows news that BMW will soon launch a new environment-focused sub-brand, known simply as i. 

Among the i range's launch models will be the tiny i3 electric city car, and the i8 hybrid performance car - based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept. 

Powered by two electric motors (one on each axle) paired to a 1.5 litre three-cylinder diesel engine, the concept produces 265kW of combined power and a whopping 800Nm of torque.

The mid-mounted diesel engine develops 122kW and 290Nm of torque on its own and is joined by electric motors positioned at the front and rear axles, improving weight distribution and effectively making the Vision concept all-wheel-drive.

The rear electric motor, positioned between the diesel engine and the double-clutch transmission, produces 25kW and 291Nm of torque, but can deliver short bursts of power up to 38kW.

Up front, the second electric motor produces 50kW and 219Nm of torque in standard mode. For a 30 second period it can increase output to 83kW, and for 10 seconds, a 103kW burst can be had.

The Vision has been developed to run on electric power alone (50km range), diesel only (645km) or a combination of the two.

A six-speed dual-clutch transmission - a new economy-focused version of the transmission used in current BMW models -handles gear shifting duties.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept boasts performance figures on par with the current generation M3 Coupe, with BMW claiming a top speed of 250km/h and the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds.

The Australian International Motor Show opens at 6pm on Friday 1 July and runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Other new models and concepts confirmed for the 2011 AIMS include the Toyota Prius V and Prius C, the new Peugeot 508 sedan and wagon,  the Suzuki Swift S-Concept, the Range Rover Evoque, the Toyota FT-86 II Concept, the 2012 Audi A6 and the 2012 Jaguar XF. 

Appearances have also been confirmed for the all-new Lamborghini Aventador, the Lexus LF-Gh concept, the Mazda Shinari concept, and a preview of Australian carmaker JOSS Developments' upcoming JT1 supercar.

Follow TMR's coverage of the 2011 show at our special AIMS-dedicated page, and on our Twitter page.