BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
According to an unnamed "senior BMW authority out of Munich" speaking with InsideLine, the German automaker will indeed build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that debuted last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW is reportedly planning for a model run of between 5,000 and 10,000 units in 2013. We'll get to the details in a moment, but here's the best news: "That name that the marketing people forced on us [is] going to change for sure." Phew.
Apparently, BMW has no plans to ditch the radical plug-in hybrid powertrain, which put out 356 horsepower and a stonkin' 590 pound-feet of torque in the concept. That means we'll get something similar to the turbocharged three-cylinder diesel range extender and twin electric motors powered by a lithium polymer battery pack that was featured in Frankfurt. Sounds great so far, and BMW claims the performance will be even better than the 4.8-second 0 to 60 run quoted for the concept.
Naturally, some of the Vision's more outlandish exterior bits will go the way of the Dodo, but IL reports BMW's target of weight is still under 3,000 pounds, meaning that high-tech composites and construction techniques are a veritable lock. Price for this next-gen eco-friendly supercar? Nothing announced – but if you have to ask... well, you know the rest.
The 814 cc, 3-cylinder, MPFI motor of the Hyundai Eon produces 56 PS of power at 5500 RPM and 75 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. The engine is the same IRDE unit from the Santro but with the removal of a cylinder, to make this 3-pot motor. The Eon measure 3495 mm in length, which might be shorter than the Alto but the former has a bigger wheelbase at 2380 mm. The Eon is wider and taller than the Alto with a width of 1550 mm and height of 1500 mm). The boot space is 215 liters, which is more than the new Swift. The Eon has received an ARAI certified mileage of 21.1 kmpl, which is again better than the Alto (2 kmpl more).
Hyundai doesn’t plan to discontinue the Santro anytime in the near future. The Eon will feature dual-tone interiors, driver side airbag, fog lamps, keyless entry, front power windows, power steering, central locking, ABS and rear defogger. The Eon has been designed specifically for the Indian market and has been 4 years in the making. The gearbox is from the Santro but has been tweaked for smoother shifts. The car weighs just 772 kgs, which is by far the lightest in the country (sparing the Tata Nano). The 155/70/13 tyres along with front discs and rear drums do a decent job of braking. The front suspension are MacPherson struts, while the rear are Torsion beam axle, which give the Eon a decent ride and handling balance. The company will offer 3 variants of the Eon at launch.
