The long-awaited BMW i3 has been one of the most eagerly awaited in recent years.
After his presentation as a concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the wait has been mounting with the continuous release of information by the Bavarian house.
But now we get down to it, from Monaco have finally revealed all the secrets of the new BMW i3 .
The official presentation will take place later this month, precisely on July 29, but today we already know pretty much all the numbers of the BMW i3 .
Engine, performance and autonomy
A push there will be an electric motor of 125 kW (170 hp) with a maximum torque of 250 Nm ni This will be able to push the small electric MPV from 0 to 100 km / h in just 7.2 seconds. Similarly reach a top speed of 150 km / h.
As for the battery life on a full battery charge, the Casa do know that the BMW i3 will be able to travel between 130 and 160 km. It will be available, however, an ECO PRO mode in graod to increase the autonomy of an additional 20 km.
In addition, then, the German brand will give the option to install on board the i3 also a Range Extender , which is a two-cylinder gasoline engine 650 cc and 34 hp, which will be positioned near the electric motor over the rear axle and that will serve generator to extend the range of up to 300 km i3.
Feather weight and technical solutions to real premium
Through the use of synthetic material reinforced with carbon fiber inside the car, BMW's engineers have managed to compensate for the extra weight of the lithium-ion battery. It has been called LifeDrive architecture, and assumes a 30% saving compared to traditional steel plate.
Even the dashboard has been made in magnesium, thus saving 20% of weight. In total the weight of the BMW i3 is 1,195 kg, ie the weight of a vehicle light but, in this case, with bodywork by compact.
Continuing, then, the BMW i3 will be rear-wheel drive with the electric motor, and the possible range extender, placed both above the rear axle, so as to further increase the traction capacity.
For the suspension system, then, we find the solution McPherson front, while the rear wheels was chosen a scheme consists of five multi-arm joints more or less the same style of the mid-engine super sports suspension with united directly to the transmission.