BMW have unveiled a new hybrid 3 Series model at the Detroit Motor Show.
The new BMW ActiveHybrid 3 takes the same powertrain which was used in the larger ActiveHybrid 5 (based on the 5 Series), but with some minor modifications to take into account the lower weight of the 3 Series. The hybrid system has also been designed with space in mind, so that the standard boot storage space in the 3 Series is only reduced by a small amount.
The ActiveHybrid 3 drivetrain combines BMW's 302bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and a 40kW electric motor. The combined output for both is just under 340bhp, and the electric motor offers instant torque from standstill, which allows for very fast acceleration. In all-electric mode the new car has a range of 2.5 miles, and it can also coast at speeds up to 100mph in all-electric mode.
BMW is currently working on integrating an intelligent sat-nav system into the ActiveHybrid 3 before it goes into production. This system lets the driver programme the car so that it stores the full battery charge until just before arrival, meaning that the last few miles of city driving can be completed in near-silent electric mode.
Ian Robertson, the Sales and marketing chief for BMW, says that the firm is working on developing a larger number of hybrid vehicles. The company see hybridisation as the ideal complement to its EfficientDynamics technologies, which are already fitted to every 3 Series car to improve fuel efficiency.
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