by Nino Marchetti via Earthtechling
BMW, even as it prepares to debut the i3 as its first ever electric car under its i brand, continues to tinker with concepts envisioning the use of green vehicle technology in different scenarios. It previously brought to public light the Concept Active Tourer, a plug-in hybrid crossover, and now refines this design study in the form of the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor.
Described by BMW as a “fresh route to combining sporting aesthetics and style with sustainable drive technology, compact dimensions and functionality,” the Active Tourer Outdoor’s drivetrain system marries a transversely mounted 1.5-litre petrol engine with front-wheel drive with an electric motor that offers total system output of over 140 kW/190 hp.
Performance specifications of this hybrid are fairly decent, going to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds and hitting a top speed of around 200 km/h (125 mph). Average fuel consumption comes in under 2.5 litres per 100 kilometres (113 mpg imp), and CO2 emissions are below 60 g/km. It also has a range of around 30 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) in all-electric mode as it draws power from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Like the i3, the Concept Active Tourer has a special driving mode designed to make the vehicle much more efficient. To do this, noted BMW, it reduces
the output of the air conditioning and other electrically operated comfort-enhancing functions when appropriate, as well as adapting the operation of all drive components to maximise efficiency. ECO PRO mode can also provide the driver with valuable driving tips, and the Bonus Range Display shows how many additional kilometres can be added to the car’s range by keeping to the fuel-economy-maximising ECO PRO mode. The Proactive Driving Assistant works with the Navigation system Professional to anticipate local conditions and send the driver tips to prepare for the situation ahead. ECO PRO Route also plays its part in minimising fuel consumption by setting out the most efficient route based on volume of traffic, personal driving style and local conditions.
Given that this vehicle was unveiled at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen fair in Germany recently, you can guess it has an outdoor focus. The most key feature here is a carrier system for two bicycles (integrated into the interior) that, when not in use, “disappears away into the side structure of the car or the load compartment floor, without restricting interior space.”
As with other concepts, don’t expect the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor to actually become a production model. It is possible though we could see in the future something which incorporates aspects of the Active Tourer design into a vehicle you can actually drive off of BMW lots.
