From all the announcements two caught my attention. The first was from BMW with its i8 and i3, the second was Kia's GT four-door sports sedan concept car; the latter's breakdown will follow later in the week.
Both the i8 and the i3 use something called LifeDrive architecture, which divides the car into two so-called modules.
One being the aluminum chassis (aka Drive module) which houses the battery, drive system and crash devices in a lightweight, high-strength compartment. Being the heaviest part of the car, the batteries are in stored as low as possible in the structure, so as to lower the car's center of gravity and improve handling.
Both the i8 and the i3 use something called LifeDrive architecture, which divides the car into two so-called modules.
One being the aluminum chassis (aka Drive module) which houses the battery, drive system and crash devices in a lightweight, high-strength compartment. Being the heaviest part of the car, the batteries are in stored as low as possible in the structure, so as to lower the car's center of gravity and improve handling.
The Life module is the second part of the car and holds the driver and passengers. It is made from carbon fiber, which is both strong as steel but 50 % lighter.
The i8 can be seen in the new "Mission Impossible" movie alongside actress Paulo Patton (both pictured above). The twin-turbo, 3-cylinder 220 hp gas engine is positioned in the rear and is coupled to a 170 hp electric motor (same as i3) positioned right over the front axle. Running in tandem, the two drive systems will be able to display their respective talents to the max, delivering a top speed of 155 mph. Just running on the electric motor alone provides a range of about 20 miles. The AWD car has a carbon fiber body.
The i3 uses the already available Active E electric car's drivetrain, and will be able to travel up to 1000 miles on a single charge and has a top speed of 93 mph. Its electric motor is positioned over the rear axle and makes some 170 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. It will be the first luxury electric vehicle to go into production.
Both the i3 and i8 will be manufactured in Leipzig, Germany; the i3 will come to market in 2013, and the i8 in 2014.
For more info including animation video, go to http://www.bmw-i.com/en_ww/bmw-i8/
Sources: BMW, and the Los Angeles Times.
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