BMW’s vision of the sports car of the future has officially been disclosed. As a lightweight 2+2 coupe with plug-in hybrid drive technology that promises to offer 'M' car-level performance and driving dynamics with Toyota Prius-like fuel economy and emissions figures, is set to be the talk of the town at the 2009 Frankfurt Show in September. The Vision EfficientDynamcis showcases an array of technologies, many of which are said to be planned for use on upcoming BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce models.

A high-performance diesel-electric hybrid system is the heart of the concept that combines a small diesel engine with two electric motors and a newly developed version of BMW's double-clutch transmission (DCT) with six speeds. The 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbo diesel engine that drives the rear wheels delivers an output of 163 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque is located in front of the rear axle (behind the back seats). The compact-sized electric motor that is positioned between the diesel engine and the DCT produces 33 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. but can supply momentarily up to 51 horsepower. The second electric motor is located on the front axle, offering continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb.-ft., but can produce 112 horsepower for up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second "burst," 139 horsepower. After adding up all the horsepower offered, the output equals 356 horsepower and or 590 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The concept can run completely under electric power, with the turbodiesel engine and is said to accelerate to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically governed top speed of 155mph.

As a technological showcase, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car features an array of innovations including a thermo-electric generator in the exhaust system that converts thermal energy contained in the exhaust emissions into electrical energy, which is then used to power features such as the steering and air conditioning.

The chassis is made out of aluminum, while the roof and the outer skin on the Gullwing-style doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass that automatically darkens as a function of the light shining on the car.

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