Official Release: The recruitment process for the highly anticipated all-electric BMW ActiveE is now open in the metropolitan markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. The BMW ActiveE is available by lease only at a cost of $499 per month for 24 months with a down payment of $2,250. Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts interested in leasing the BMW ActiveE can begin the recruitment process at www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE. Vehicles are available on a first come, first served basis.

Calling All Electronauts.

The 700 BMW ActiveE lessees have been dubbed “Electronauts”. BMW Electronauts are adventurers and explorers; they are front-runners of innovation and advocates for sustainability. Most importantly, they are key participants in the BMW ActiveE Field Trial. Beginning in early 2012 and taking place in the U.S., Europe and China, the BMW ActiveE Field Trial will include more than 1,100 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at BMW’s plant in Leipzig, Germany. Throughout the field trial, car- and driver-generated data and anecdotal feedback from the Electronauts will be collected by BMW to deepen its knowledge about the everyday use of EVs and to provide actionable insights into electric mobility in urban environments. Once the field trial commences, information collected from the Electronauts will be made available for all EV enthusiasts and media at www.BMWActivateTheFuture.com.

In addition, the learnings from the field trial will provide direct insight into electric mobility in advance of series production of BMW’s first purpose-built, mass-produced electric vehicles, the BMW i3 in 2013 and the i8 in 2014. Concepts of the i3 and i8, the first two vehicles from the new BMW i brand, made their official North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16 and 17, 2011.

Born Electric. Born of project i.

The introduction of the BMW ActiveE is the newest product to be born from BMW’s project i. Project i is BMW Group’s visionary, all-embracing approach to redefining the understanding of personal mobility through purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services.

It is anticipated that by 2025 the planet will be populated by 8 billion people with over half of that population living in urban metropolitan areas. The data generated from the BMW ActiveE Field Trial will not only provide BMW with the insights necessary to intelligently develop innovative and sustainable mobility solutions tailored for the growing urban population, but also to deliver even more efficient and higher performing electric vehicles worthy of the BMW moniker.

The Recruitment Process.

After filling out the reservation form on www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE, prospective lessees. will complete a charging station consultation with BMW partner AeroVironment. The purpose of the consultation is to ensure that prospective Electronaut’s homes are capable of supporting an AeroVironment charging station and participants fully understand all aspects of maintaining and charging an electric vehicle before signing a lease. Once the consultation is completed, the prospect’s information will be forwarded to their selected BMW ActiveE center to finish the lease process.

For more details on the recruitment process please visit www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE.

Official Release: No fewer than six BMW Group models have received the prestigious 2011 GOOD DESIGNTM Award: the BMW 6 Series Convertible, the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the BMW ActiveE, and the two motorcycle models BMW K 1600 GT/GTL along with the BMW G650 GS. The annual GOOD DESIGNTM Award ranks as the most celebrated international accolade in the field of product design – and this year once again it honours the outstanding quality of BMW Group Design.

The world’s oldest and most esteemed design prize was founded in 1950 in Chicago by the architects Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, and Edgar Kaufmann Jr. is awarded by the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban Studies. For more than 60 years now, this coveted accolade has recognised exceptionally innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas that go beyond the regular horizons of everyday product design. The aim of the award, not least of all, is to raise public awareness of contemporary design together with related issues of sustainability.

The prize is awarded based on the criteria of functionality and aesthetics as originally laid down by Saarinen and Eames, and is now complemented by an ecological aspect that stipulates sustainable design in keeping with our times. 2011 saw the independent jury of design experts and architects sifting through a record number of applications from around the world to decide their final selection of more than 500 product designs and graphics from 38 countries that were deemed worthy of the GOOD DESIGN Award.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines a stretched bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline with a classic soft-top roof featuring a distinctive “fin” design. The car’s powerfully contoured surfaces and forward-surging lines are a reflection of its dynamic handling properties.

Aesthetes who delight in luxury and forward-looking technology need look no further than the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, combining as it does dynamic athleticism with exclusive travel comfort. Adaptive LED Headlights represent an innovation in lighting technology and draw on the hallmark round headlight look in a new rendition of BMW’s iconic design cues.

The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe cuts a compelling figure with its athletic demeanour and M-specific interior design. The optimised track width of the front and rear axles, an expansive front apron and powerfully flared wheel arches lend the BMW 1 Series M Coupe its unmistakable character. The two sets of chrome-plated twin tailpipes, situated at the outer edges of the rear, make for the symmetrical look familiar from M styling.

With the BMW ActiveE, an all-electric-drive BMW 1 Series Coupe, BMW is testing everyday usage of electric vehicles. The insights gleaned from this field test will flow directly into series development of the BMW i3. The intelligent configuration of the drive components and energy storage systems within the vehicle create the ideal prerequisites for customary BMW driving dynamics and extended functionality. This electric car offers four full seats, boot space of around 200 litres, rear-wheel drive and a range of approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) in day-to-day operation.

With its BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL, BMW Motorrad is tapping into a new dimension of the touring experience. Both these motorcycles present a self-assured, imposing and distinctive appearance, sparking off a hefty dose of wanderlust at first glance.

With its lean and wiry off-road physique, the BMW G 650 GS motorbike evokes an impression of lightness and adventurousness. Its characteristic enduro design and its colour concept are fully in keeping with the BMW GS family style and round off the bike’s overall sporty impression. The quality and specification of this model coupled with its long-distance comfort set it apart from the competitors.

BMW Group Design has already won the coveted design award several times in the past. Last year it was the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the MINI Countryman, the BMW S 1000 RR and the BMW Concept 6 design study that captured the prestigious prize. In 2008 honours went to the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the MINI Cooper S Clubman and four BMW motorcycles. Back in 2007, the jury of the GOOD DESIGN Award paid tribute to the new BMW X5, the BMW 3 Series Coupe, the new MINI and three motorcycle models.

Official Release: BMW of North America, LLC today announced jointly with Coulomb Technologies, Inc. that drivers of the forthcoming BMW ActiveE all-electric vehicle will be able to take advantage of the expansion of the ChargePoint® Network into the Boston Metro. More than 100 ChargePoint stations for EVs will be made available to the State through Coulomb’s $37 million ChargePoint America DOE program. The stations will be located in the Boston metropolitan area, within the Route 495 Beltway. Drivers of the BMW ActiveE will be able to conveniently and safely recharge their electric vehicle at any ChargePoint-enabled electric vehicle charging station in the US.

“We are pleased to be a part of the ChargePoint America program. Access to such a well established network will provide a significant measure of convenience for drivers of the ActiveE,” said Rich Steinberg, Manager – Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy for BMW of North America. “Our drivers can feel confident that they can easily locate and recharge at any of the publically accessible ChargePoint stations in the United States. Partnerships like this one with Coulomb will reinforce the viability of EVs for daily transportation as we’ve already proven with the MINI E.”

“The ChargePoint Network is the world’s largest and longest operating electric vehicle-charging network in the world,” said Richard Lowenthal, founder and CTO of Coulomb Technologies. “We are now pleased to say that BMW ActiveE owners will benefit from all of the safety, convenience and standards features that the ChargePoint Network offers, which in turn ensures the best possible ‘fueling’ experience.”

BMW project i – research and development of tomorrow’s mobility.

The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group has been carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The ultimate goal is the concept of a Megacity Vehicle, the BMW i3 that meets the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this reason, the drive components and battery technology that will be used in the i3 are being tested in the BMW ActiveE.

Ongoing field tests involving more than 600 MINI E cars, including 450 in the US, have already provided vital knowledge about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Beginning in 2011 in the US, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1000 BMW ActiveE vehicles will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. The findings will serve to deepen the knowledge already gained on the everyday use of electric vehicles and to learn more about customer requirements. The feedback from customers testing the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be fed directly into series production of the i3, which is scheduled to launching under the i Brand in 2013.

E-mobility as a supporting pillar of BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy.

In the development of groundbreaking vehicle concepts and drive technologies within the framework of the EfficientDynamics strategy, the BMW Group attaches key importance to electric mobility. With EfficientDynamics the BMW Group has for been very successful in reducing fuel consumption and emission levels through new and highly-efficient engine generations, enhancement of aerodynamics, the use of innovative lightweight construction and intelligent engine management – all with better performance in the bargain. Thanks to EfficientDynamics, the company is now able to achieve additional economy advantages through the further electrification of the drive train and hybrid technology. In the medium term, the BMW Group is developing vehicle concepts for emission-free mobility in larger urban areas. In the long term, EfficientDynamics means the transition to emission-free mobility – using both battery power and sustainably produced hydrogen.

On the way to sustainable, CO2-free mobility, the BMW ActiveE represents the next major milestone. Following the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s second electric vehicle made available to consumers. With output of 170 horsepower and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft, the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds (preliminary), demonstrating the dynamic characteristics typical of a BMW. At the same time, newly developed lithium-ion batteries facilitate a vehicle range of around 100 miles in everyday driving.

Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body and chassis of an existing car. The BMW ActiveE integrates all-electric drive components such as batteries, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without significant compromise on space or interior comfort. Therefore, the BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s first electric vehicle to offer four fully-fledged seats and a seven cu-ft luggage compartment. The BMW ActiveE incorporates a pilot series version of the same drive train and batteries planned for the i3.

BMW EVolve Mobile App and Online Dashboard Gauges Compatibility for Electric Vehicle Prospects

The BMW EVolve will help drivers determine if their current transportation habits are compatible with the EV lifestyle regardless of their cars’ make or even their mode of transportation. The app provides tips from this group of seasoned drivers, based on their experiences thus far. Drivers also have access to real-world comparisons that put their energy and transportation usage into context such as equating a vehicle’s CO2 emissions to that of a home television. Ultimately, following three complete “trips” with the app, the user will be given a compatibility rating letting them know how an EV might fit into their daily life. The BMW EVolve App is available as a free download from both the Apple App Store and the Android Marketplace.

BMW Activate the Future

Before the ActiveE arrives, BMW has started a broader conversation about the future of mobility that thinks “beyond the car.” To start the conversation, throughout the month of February, BMW will launch a four-part online documentary series entitled “WHEREVER YOU WANT TO GO: Four Films about the Future of Mobility”, which is intended to create a broader conversation about the future of mobility and to challenge existing consumer mindsets. Go to www.BMWActivatetheFuture.com to join the conversation.

We’ve known for a few months now that BMW will be using basically the same powertrain in the i3 as is scheduled for the soon to be release BMW ActiveE. In the 1 Series based ActiveE that equates to roughly 100 miles on a charge with 170 horsepower and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft. But the theory goes that BMW may tune the i3 with slightly less power given that it will weight less (approximately 300 kg or 660 lbs less than a standard steel unibody car). Car & Driver suggests that may mean around 150 hp with a 160 mile range.

But less weight means more than better range. Less weight also means that BMW will almost surely use less batteries to motivate the i3. More specifically the ActiveE uses 192 battery cells versus the i3 that is expected to use around half the cells. Since batteries are typically the most pricey part of an EV this should allow BMW to reduce costs and price the i3 more aggressively than some have expected.

Car and Driver has recently chimed in with their guess that the i3 will ring up around $35,000. However based on our sources we believe BMW may only allow leasing initially on the i3 with pricing very close to the $499 a month that the ActiveE has been aggressively priced at. That’s almost half the cost of BMW’s first EV the $850 a month MINI E and much more affordable than the almost $50,000 price-point we initially heard rumored.

Rich Steinberg, Manager, Electric Vehicle Operations & Strategy from BMW of North America was on hand yesterday in NYC to give the press a quick look at the ActiveE. One notable point mentioned here for the first time is that the electric engine go box under the hood here is the same one that will power the i3 in two years time.

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This week’s show sees us going from energy effecient to insanely fast. We start talking about the ActiveE and the new US spec four cylinder Z4. More specifically we talk about the new Z4 28i and how it stacks up in terms of performance and effeciency to the old Z4 30i model. And then there’s the 50:50 weight distribution 1 Series based ActiveE. 168hp and 250 nM of torque. Not bad for an electric car.

We then move onto the 560 hp + M5 and how it will soon reign as the fastest BMW of all time. Not bad for a 4,000 lbs + four doors.

After moving through some 1M talk we then can’t let the Z4 GT3 go unnoticed. Why has BMW revised a one year old customer racecar? And what happens after the M3 GT2 is put out to pasture in a year or two? Will the Z4 take it’s place. And then what of a road going version? We can’t help but speculate.

And yes we ran long so no talk of the front wheel drive BMWs. Look for that in the next show.

The BMW ActiveE makes its North American debut this week at the New York International Auto Show and to celebrate, BMW USA is presenting ‘BMW Conversations: The BMW ActiveE’.

Experts from BMW, as well as a current MINI E Pioneers, will be answering questions live from the NYIAS and the entire conversation will be streamed in live video on the BMW USA Facebook page tomorrow at 5:30pm EST.

If you have questions about the BMW ActiveE or EVs in general, this is the perfect opportunity to present them. Just leave them in our comment section below and BMW will grab the best before the event tomorrow evening.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow evening at 5:30 on BMW’s FB page.

The BMW ActiveE is the first real-world product of Project i that wears a roundel. And who better to give us an introduction of the car at Geneva than Rich Steinberg, BMW of North America’s Manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy.

First the look. As with the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE will have some exterior graphics and design elements that will distinguish it for a standard 1 Series Coupe. The interior will also be distinguished with displays specific to EV applications. Here Rich describes the newly developed electric motor and battery cell technology that differentiate it from the MINI E. As BMW announced more than a year ago, the batteries in the BMW ActiveE will feature liquid heating and cooling so that the batteries would be at optimal operating temperature in order to maximize driving range in either hot or cold ambient conditions. As the BMW Group identified through the MINI E field trial as early 2009, temperature extremes can significantly impact the potential driving range of a drivetrain which uses lithium-ion cell technology.

Beginning in Fall 2011, the BMW ActiveE will be available for lease in limited number in the California markets of Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento. It will be available in the Northeast in the New York metro market including parts of New Jersey and the state of Connecticut as well as metropolitan Boston.

The BMW iBrand

As a bit of a bonus Rich also gives us an overview of BMWi. If anyone doubts that BMW intends to bring the i3 and i8 to the US market, just ask yourself why someone at BMWNA is narrating this video.

BMW has released it’s latest Active E video – this time detailing the cars usability in every day living. The ActiveE (yes we’re getting tired of that second ‘e’ as well) is BMW’s first electric vehicle with four seats a d decent luggage compartment (200 liters). (Full gallery after the break)

At the heart of the BMW ActiveE is a powerful electric synchronous motor which propels the car from zero to 60mph in just nine seconds, delivering 168hp and maximum torque of 250Nm, from a standing start. The ActiveE maintains the dynamic qualities of other 1 Series models with a low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution.

Starting in 2011, a test fleet of over 1,000 BMW ActiveE vehicles will be trialed in the USA, Europe and China and will provide valuable insights into the everyday use of the electric vehicle. The knowledge and insights gained from the field trials of the BMW ActiveE will be fed back for the future development of the Megacity Vehicle, due to go into production in 2013.

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We’ve combed through the various videos that BMW has released on the Active E and brought you the best of the lot. The 12 minute piece goes through the design and technology behind the car and gives you a better understanding of how it all works together.

Official Release: The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will see the world premier of the BMW ActiveE. Based on the current BMW 1 Series Coupé, the BMW ActiveE is the second electric test vehicle to be created by the BMW Group.

With four seats and a luggage compartment of 200 litres, the BMW ActiveE is the first electric vehicle from the BMW Group to combine the space and comfort of a traditionally powered BMW with a fully electric drivetrain. Intelligent packaging ensures that the driver and all three passengers have the same head, leg and shoulder room as they would in a standard BMW 1 Series Coupé. (Full gallery after the break)

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At the heart of the BMW ActiveE is a powerful electric synchronous motor which propels the car from zero to 60mph in just nine seconds, delivering 168hp and maximum torque of 250Nm, from a standing start. While its top speed is electronically limited to 90mph. The BMW ActiveE maintains the dynamic driving style that is typical of a BMW, with a low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution to enhance traction and power transfer of the high torque.

Replacing the engine block, transmission and fuel tank are three large energy storage units containing lithium-ion cells, developed in conjunction with SB LiMotive. These modules are protected by a steel-plate battery housing with integrated liquid cooling system, to keep the batteries at optimum operating temperature helping to increase the range. These housings also help to ensure that the BMW ActiveE meets the same stringent safety standards as the BMW 1 Series Coupé, meeting and exceeding the levels legislated.

The BMW ActiveE is engineered so that when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator pedal the motor becomes a generator and feeds the electricity created from kinetic energy back into the vehicle battery, while at the same time braking torque is created, slowing the vehicle down. This recuperation of energy can increase the range by up to 20 per cent.

For the first time in a BMW Group electric vehicle the BMW ActiveE features an ‘intermediate position’ for the accelerator pedal that results in the car’s own kinetic energy being used to move forward, without consuming energy from the batteries. In essence it is a ‘gliding’ mode. With previous electric vehicles when the accelerator lifts the car automatically starts to brake. To further increase the range of the BMW ActiveE ECO PRO Mode can be selected whereby the drive configuration and comfort functions are modified to use less energy and facilitate a more efficient driving style. In ECO PRO mode the heating and air conditioning system are programmed to use less energy and the accelerator demands less power with the same travel.

The BMW ActiveE retains the dynamic looks of the traditionally powered BMW 1 Series Coupé but with circuit inspired graphics, a scoop in the bonnet and a closed rear apron, with no exhaust pipes, to distinguish it. Inside Pearl Grey Dakota leather seats with Blue contrasting seams, along with a revised instrument cluster are the main indicators of the electric drivetrain. Instead of the traditional fuel gauge and rev counters the dials show the level of charge left in the battery and the amount of energy being used and recuperated.

The BMW ActiveE is not dependent on a specific energy source and so can be charged using 32-ampere wallbox in five hours, or overnight from a conventional domestic socket. This allows greater flexibility allowing the car to be charged wherever there is an electricity supply.

Starting in 2011, a test fleet of over 1,000 BMW ActiveE vehicles will be trialed in the USA, Europe and China and will provide valuable insights into the everyday use of the electric vehicle. The knowledge and insights gained from the field trials of the BMW ActiveE will be fed back for the future development of the Megacity Vehicle, due to go into production in 2013. BMW UK will be leasing BMW ActiveEs to select customers. Further details will be announced in due course.

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We took a break of the 1M this week to talk about the new 6 Series concept. Is it finally a 6er that we can love? Early signs point to yes. Then we talk about the updated Vision concept for Paris. It’s a further iteration on what we saw last year but this time with a fully functional the three cylinder diesel hybrid (among other things). Rounding out the sustainability section of the show we move to the ActiveE and BMW’s plans to expand it to new markets in the east and west coasts of the US.

Then it’s sound systems and BMW’s new tie-up with B&O. Could it spell the end of bad high-end stereos in BMWs?

Finally we end the show talking about the M3 and how it’s progressed (or not) over the years. Has increased power ruined us and the M3? Listen to the show and then sound-off below.

Oh and one last show note. We have new theme music for just this week courtesy of Led Zeppelin. It’s a tribute to my late Grandfather who’s favorite album was always Led Zeppelin II. Enjoy.

For the upcoming ActiveE, BMW is expanding it’s markets from the MINI E study from LA and NYC to include a larger surrounding area on the east and west coast. The 1 Series based electric vehicle will begin it’s trial summer of 2011 leading up to the release of a new BMW megacity all electric vehicle in 2013. For an entire library of articles and technical information on the car, make sure to visit our ActiveE section.

Official release after the break.

Later today at Opportunity Green in Los Angeles, BMW will announce the markets which will participate in the BMW ActiveE field trial when it begins in summer 2011. The New York metro market and the Greater Los Angeles Area will again play key roles. In Southern California, the metropolitan market of San Diego will be included. Northern California will be included in the BMW ActiveE field trial with the Greater San Francisco and Sacramento areas. In addition to select markets in Connecticut, Boston will provide new opportunities to gain experience in this trial.

The BMW ActiveE field trial will build on the success and experience gained during the MINI E field trial, now in its second year. Experience gained in this second-phase trial will prepare the BMW Group for the launch of its purpose-designed Megacity Vehicle in 2013.

“We were the first automaker to put 450 electric vehicles on US roads for daily use. We have gained so much insight into living with an EV with our MINI E pioneers over the last year,” said Rich Steinberg, Manager of Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy for BMW of North America. “Partners like the City of New York’s Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison have also been critical to the success of the program. We’re looking forward to working with more drivers in more markets to build on our base of experience as we get ready for the launch of the Megacity Vehicle, and we look forward to even greater collaboration with the BMW ActiveE.”

“In addition to our existing and new pioneers in each of these markets, we looking forward to working our new strategic partners the City of San Francisco Department of Transportation, San Francisco Clean Cities Coalition, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston, San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Northeast Utilities and subsidiary Connecticut Light & Power, Sacramento Municipal Utilities District and New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition,” added Steinberg.

The BMW ActiveE field trial is set to begin in Summer 2011.

BMW ActiveE: the next phase of the BMW Group’s ongoing EV development

A glimpse of the BMW ActiveE was first seen with the Concept ActiveE at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2010. Based on the chassis of a BMW 1 Series Coupe it features a newly developed electric drivetrain and a lithium-ion battery-packed developed in cooperation with SB-LiMotive. It offers four passenger seating and approximately seven cubic-feet of luggage capacity.

The vehicle concept and drive system provide the agility and dynamic acceleration performance which are characteristic of the BMW 1 Series Coupe. Based on realistic simulations, the sprint from 0-60 mph requires approximately 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicle is electronically limited at around 90 mph.

The lithium-ion battery pack specially developed for this vehicle supplies energy to the motor and all other functions of the BMW Concept ActiveE. For the first time, storage cells are used which were developed especially for use in automobiles by the BMW Group in collaboration with the cooperation partner SB LiMotive. The aim is to use the best available technology in the area of energy storage as part of the development of the Megacity Vehicle. The lithium-ion batteries of the BMW Concept ActiveE have their own liquid cooling system and intelligent battery management system, which are key elements in increasing both the storage capacity and the durability of the battery cells. These systems also ensure that the long range can be maintained largely independent of external climatic conditions. The storage system developed for the BMW Concept ActiveE enables a real-world range of about 100 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions.

The climate control systems developed for the BMW Concept ActiveE can also be activated via smartphone. This option includes a timer function so the driver can ensure that the vehicle is conveniently pre-cooled or pre-heated before getting into it in the morning, for example. Climatic pre-conditioning optimizes not only ride comfort but also the operating status of the energy storage system in the sense that it maximises the range of the vehicle. The control of the heating and air conditioning system by mobile phone is made available through BMW ConnectedDrive. The BMW Concept ActiveE demonstrates the extensive range of options for using these services with the full integration of a smartphone connection into the vehicle infotainment system.

A future-oriented technology which runs across all brands: electro-mobility as a mainstay of EfficientDynamics. With the BMW ActiveE, the BMW Group demonstrates the continuation of its project i research and development activities geared towards achieving emissions-free mobility independent of fossil fuels. It builds on the significant experience that already been gained through the MINI E field trial which recently entered its second year.

The BMW Group is developing electro-mobility as an additional central mainstay of its EfficientDynamics strategy. Electric drive provides an additional option for individual mobility, alongside the ongoing optimization of the pure combustion engine, the market launch of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in production vehicles and the BMW Hydrogen 7 as evidence of the suitability of hydrogen drive for everyday use.

Project i brings together the BMW Group’s activities relating to the development of production vehicles with electric drive. The focus is on the conception of a production Megacity Vehicle which fulfils the requirements of a sustainable mobility solution for urban areas, with one option being electric drive.

The BMW ActiveE field trial will begin in summer 2011 leading up to the Megacity Vehicle in 2013.

A number of BMW’s European trademarks were recently unearthed by our favorite public tipster Scott27 that foreshadow a number of new products. And based on other sources they also unlock two entirely new lines of products that we expect to see by 2015.

For starters BMW will be creating two entirely new lines of products: the “i” and “e” line-up. It’s assumed that E (as in E1, E3 and so on) will be BMW’s range of electric vehicles that could correspond with their existing line-up. The “i” nomenclature will likely be the official name of the iSetta megacity range of small cars. Expect i1, i3 and so on.

Beyond that BMW also registered the following:

• M50d – likely M’s first tri-turbo diesel (yes as in three turbos) product potentially used in the 5 Series, 6 Series and the X5, X6 twins.
• Urbanic – this will likely have to do with the megacity project.
• Gran Coupe – We believe this is the four door coupe based on the new 6 Series that harkens back to the CS concept.
• Compactive and Compactive Tourer – This seems to be based on the GT versions of the F20 1 and F30 3 series models.

The “0″ Series we have been talking about? Well if you’ve listened to our podcast you’d know we really don’t expect BMW to use the 0 Series name. Instead look for something else new.

BMW has gone the length of officially disputing the notion that the upcoming launch of the ActiveE will be smaller than the MINI E field study. In fact based on our understanding the idea is to offer at least the same number in hopes that many of those MINI E customers would move over to the Active E.

Official Release: Recent published reports have incorrectly stated that the size of the fleet of BMW ActiveEs that will be deployed during the BMW Group’s second-phase field trial in the US will be limited to 200 vehicles. While the exact size of the fleet has yet to be confirmed, it will be at least as large as the MINI E fleet which is currently in operation. There are 450 MINI Es on the road in the US right now. They are being driven by a dedicated group of individuals and select fleet users.

“I would hate for anyone to get the impression that we are backing away from our commitment to EV development or the Megacity Vehicle project. Let me reassure you that nothing could be further from the truth,” said Rich Steinberg, Manager – Electric Vehicle Operations and Strategy. “With one of the largest fleet of electric vehicles in operation today, we are learning a great deal. Those lessons have already been applied in our development work. One example is the liquid heating and cooling capability for the batteries in the upcoming BMW ActiveE. This will help to optimize operating range in conditions of extreme hot and cold climates. Others include the four-seat capacity of the BMW ActiveE and it seven cubic-feet of trunk space. More than anything we have been impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm that MINI E drivers have brought to this project.”

In preparation for the upcoming BMW ActiveE field trial, which will begin in 2011, the BMW Group announced at the North American International Auto Show in January that it will offer one-year lease extensions to current MINI E lessees.

With the Geneva Motor Show wrapping up BMW has created a highlight reel or sorts that details the new 5er Hybrid, Active E and 335is models. Worth watching as a recap of much the reporting we’ve been doing over the past week about the show.

BMW at NAIAS 2010

NAIAS 2010

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The North American International Auto Show in Detroit will see the World debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE and BMW Z4 sDrive35is, as well as the North American unveiling of the twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine version of the BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans and the six-cylinder turbocharged version of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo. BMW Concept ActiveE

BMW Concept ActiveE is the latest electric vehicle project under BMW Group’s initiative to produce vehicles that explore solutions to minimize environmental impact while preserving the dynamic driving experience for which BMW has long been known. The BMW Concept ActiveE will follow the all-electric MINI E as the second large-scale electric vehicle test program to be conducted in the hands of interested customers.

The BMW Group presents yet another milestone along the way to achieving CO2-free mobility. The BMW Concept ActiveE provides a taste of a purely electrically powered BMW. Focused on the requirements of practical use, the study is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe and embodies the outstanding agility and characteristic driving pleasure of the 1 Series with the added dimension of emissions-free driving.

The BMW Concept ActiveE highlights the continuation of its research and development activities in the field of electro-mobility by the BMW Group and allows for the exploration of new vehicle packaging solutions and components which will be crucial to the success of the Megacity Vehicle. The integration of drive components within the existing vehicle package of the BMW 1 Series Coupe offers the opportunity to provide four full-size seats and a luggage compartment with a capacity of approximately 7 cu ft. (200 liters). The motor, specially developed for the model and located in the rear axle, delivers 170 hp and provides maximum torque of 184 lb-ft. It accelerates the vehicle from 0-60 mph in approx. 8.5 seconds.

The electric drive system draws its energy from new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack developed jointly especially for the BMW Concept ActiveE by BMW and cooperation partner SB LiMotive. They enable a range of approximately 100 miles in everyday use. An intelligent battery management system helps achieve this range largely independently of external climatic conditions. Additionally, the charging period required for the lithium-ion batteries is very short. On the European power grid, the battery pack can be fully charged in just three hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours.

The BMW Concept ActiveE embodies a whole new dimension of mobility purely powered by electricity. The dynamic potential and high torque of the drive system, along with the rear-wheel drive which is a hallmark of the brand, guarantees a driving experience befitting the Ultimate Driving Machine – but without any CO2 emissions. An impressive range of functions and a high level of suitability for everyday use are both part of this concept, which defines electro-mobility in true BMW style.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Combining classic proportions with modern features, the BMW Z4 Roadster enjoys the top spot in its market segment. Now, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is distills the Roadster’s performance potential to produce one of BMW’s fastest and best-handling Roadsters ever.

The latest Z4 model is characterized by instantaneous response to the accelerator pedal, fantastic sounds, and a free-revving spirit. The engine features increased intake air-flow and increased boost pressure to provide more power with the same standard of efficiency. The combination of twin low-mass turbochargers and High Precision direct injection offers a level of performance which a naturally-aspirated engine would only be able to provide using more cylinders and larger displacement.

The turbocharger system developed for the engine of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is maintains a high output throughout the entire rev range. Nominal peak torque is increased to 332 lb-ft from available from1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Maximum output of 335 hp is delivered at 5,900 rpm.

The enhanced engine management system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes an electronically-controlled overboost function which briefly increases torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft gives the car significantly better acceleration. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will complete the sprint from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (preliminary). Top speed of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is limited electronically to 155 mph.

BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans

The BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans will feature BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that is an example of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy. The engine produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption; the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics.

A keystone of BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy is “virtual displacement,” the notion that BMW’s modern engines of smaller displacement can equal or exceed the outputs of traditional engines of larger displacement and more cylinders. Virtual displacement provides the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions signature of a smaller engine.

The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li feature BMW’s internationally acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine with up-rated output of 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver’s style.

Befitting a member of BMW’s flagship line, the 740i and 740Li will include a full range of features and option that will enable the newest BMW 7 Series to be tailored to individual tastes.

BMW 535i Gran Turismo with six-cylinder turbocharged engine

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the attributes of an elegant sedan, a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle and a classic Gran Turismo, masterfully melded into a single, harmonious vehicle. The six-cylinder turbocharged version of the 535i Gran Turismo will feature a new inline-6 which combines turbocharging, High Precision Injection, and variable VALVETRONIC valve management in one engine for the first time. This unique combination gives BMW’s newest inline-6 a new level of performance and efficiency in the true spirit of BMW EfficientDynamics.

The new six-cylinder again displaces 3.0-liters and develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. This is the same level of performance as the current 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of VALVETRONIC, this new engine will be even more fuel efficient. Both the responsiveness and efficiency of the 535i Gran Turismo will be further improved with the addition of BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. Benefitting from this kind of power, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The 2011 Z4 Drive35is, the 2011 740i and 740Li Sedans, as well as the 535i Gran Turismo six-cylinder will arrive at authorized BMW Centers in Spring 2010.

The BMW press conference will take place on Monday, January 11, 2010 from 11:50am – 12:15pm EST.