Stop!

(Credit: BMW USA)

The Frankfurt Auto Show rapidly approaches, which means that it’s time for yet another dull BMW EfficientDynamics concept to mildly pique our interest with… wait, whoa! WHAT IS THAT?

The recently unveiled BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept maintains the hallmarks of what makes a BMW a BMW (the kidney grills, the Hofmeister kink, and hopefully, the high level of performance), but tosses everything else out of the window to create a bizarre amalgamation of M car performance, fuel efficiency, and insectoid aesthetics.

Let’s start with the powertrain.

The Vision concept is powered by a 1.5-liter, turbodiesel 3-cylinder mounted amidships and two electric motors–one at each axle. Direct injection and a variable intake geometry turbocharger help the diesel engine to output 163 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of peak torque to the rear wheels through BMW’s six-speed DCT transmission.

The rear electric motor outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a peak of up to 51 horsepower. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 214 pound-feet, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring. Meanwhile, a second electric motor at the front axle offers continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second “burst,” the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower.

(Credit: BMW USA)

Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 pound-feet during that 30 second burst (for passing maneuvers, etc). Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 4.8 seconds, and top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph.

The system is able to run under diesel power, electric power, or a combination of the two. The engine configuration affords the Vision all-wheel drive when operating in all-electric mode. The electric engines are powered by a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells developing continuous output of 600 amps with a maximum 30-second burst output of 1,200 amps. The batteries are recharged through a combination of diesel generation, regenerative braking, or plug-in charging. As a result, the Vision has two refilling flaps, one for diesel fuel and one for electricity. Average fuel consumption is 62.6 mpg on the EU test cycle.

The BMW Vision concept’s über-sleek looks are the result of efficient aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

With the mid-mounted diesel engine, the Vision is able to have a low nose. Active louvers in front of the radiator close completely when there is little need for cooling, such as when running in all electric mode. The vehicle’s low, sleek design results in an overall vehicle drag coefficient of just 0.22. The concept rolls on oddly huge (21-inch) low rolling resistance tires. The big wheel and 195mm profile supposedly provides a big enough contact patch to keep the Vision agile, as well as efficient, while wheel covers reduce turbulence caused by the spinning wheels.

Most of the body is made of transparent composites (which darken when exposed to UV light) and the chassis and suspension are made completely of aluminum, resulting in a curb weight of 3,076 pounds.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept will be unveiled, along with the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production models, at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for more coverage. In the meantime, make the jump to see the BMW Vision concept in motion.

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