BMW reveals an advance hydrogen fuel cell technology tested in i8-based prototype; new plug-in hybrid capable of 706mpg.
BMW has lifted the veil of privacy on some of its most advanced research vehicles up to now. The firm was testing hydrogen fuel cell technology using a futuristic-looking prototype on the basis of the i8, pictured right here in official photographs. It has also produced a super-slippery new plug-in hybrid research car that is claimed to return remarkable gas economy of 706mpg. The fuel cell prototype is a sleek two-door coupe that relies on carbon fiber to keep its weight down and features an aero package honed at BMW’s wind tunnel in Munich. It hints at the look of future BMW i cars. BMW is keeping back on technical details. However, Auto car can confirm that the automobile, built in 2012, web sites its gas stack during the rear in the position usually taken by the i8’s petrol engine. Power is 242bhp -115bhp less than the production i8. BMW also quotes a 0-62mph time of less than 6.0sec and a top speed of around 124mph.
BMW says this prototype has recently been removed from service. Having formed a joint venture with Toyota in 2013 and accelerated plans to make a production hydrogen fuel cell model by the finish of the decade, BMW has now advanced its research activities to add lots of road-going prototypes. Meanwhile, the wind cheating petrol-electric plug-in hybrid prototype, which hasn’t yet been photographed, is believed to hold clues to technology that’s destined for the following generation of BMW’s i models and draws heavily regarding the firm’s experience with carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Sources recommend the new car weighs significantly less than 1150kg. It is recognized to have a drag coefficient of just 0.18. To aid it achieve this low Configure, it ditches traditional door mirrors if favor of video cameras that project images onto a monitor in the cabin. The plug-in hybrid prototype is said to offer seating for up to four, along with “a useful boot, whose capacity is between 350 and 360 liters”, according to your sources. It is powered by a front mounted turbocharged 1.0-liter twin-cylinder engine and an electric motor sited at the back. Too as returning 706mpg, it is claimed to be capable of 0-62mph in less than 7.0sec, with a premier speed of 112mph.