BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept

Auto show dream cars with glass doors never quite seem to graduate to reality; aside from that, a more conventional body is all that could keep this dream from becoming a latter-day M1.

What makes it tick? The Vision is a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-liter diesel engine and two electric motors. Total output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is a body-slamming 590 pound-feet. Acceleration to 60 m.p.h. takes just 4.8 seconds, and the top speed is said to be 155. Average fuel consumption is 62.6 m.p.g., BMW says. The car has an electric-only range of 31 miles; but it is theoretically capable of more than 400 miles in combination with the fuel in its 6.6-gallon tank.

BMW diesel-electric concept

BMW will show a radical diesel-electric hybrid concept car at the Frankfurt auto show in Germany this month that will give a glimpse into the brand's technical and design plans.The Vision EfficientDynamics concept is the first car created under the leadership of new BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, who replaced Chris Bangle when the controversial American resigned this year.

The remarkable-looking car melds BMW's signature twin-kidney grille with the classic Coke-bottle plan view and intricate surfaces to manage airflow for maximum efficiency and performance.

The 2+2 concept uses a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbodiesel and the two-mode hybrid system General Motors developed with BMW and Mercedes. The electric and diesel powerplants could combine to accelerate the concept to 60 m.p.h. in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 155 m.p.h.

The concept's lithium-polymer batteries can be charged either from an outlet or by the diesel engine. BMW says the concept can be powered by the engine or batteries alone.

The automaker projects a 31-mile range on batteries alone and up to 400 miles with the diesel.