BMW to launch a new sub brand i

BMW, the German luxury auto mobile manufacturer known for its technological perfection and style. To further strengthen its ties globally, it is speculated that BMW will come with a new car brand known as 'i'. This brand is expected to market wide range of advanced excellent hybrid, plug-in electric car models and range extender.

It is being rumoured that the first cars to carry the new badge are expected to be BMW i3 and BMW i8. These two cars will be introduced in 2013 as per the close sources. Klaus Draeger, head of BMW’s R&D operations said that these auto mobiles have been made mainly for their alternative drive systems. The company has used a new architectural system which will be helpful in cutting down the extra weight of batteries.

The new car will be under the badge LifeDrive, it uses aluminium chassis for the driveline, along with passenger cell developed from carbonfibre reinforced plastic manufactured in partnership with SG Carbon, the US based firm.

The BMW i3 two-plus-two car model earlier christened as MegaCity Vehicle, the company's internal working title. The German maker's first car model was manufactured for the urban driving experience. The car model possess one box silhouette unveiled in an officially revealed sketch by BMW last year.

It is assumed that the first BMW i3 will be loaded by all electric driveline same as found in 1-series ActiveE, using 170 bhp electric motor along with lithium ion battery pack expected to drive to 100 miles. As per the sources the other model of i3 which includes range extender are also being developed.

The BMW i8 is expected to be loaded with EfficientDynamics concept car which first unveiled in 2009, will also use a hybrid driveline to be combined with BMW's 1.5 litre upcoming three cylinder petrol powertrain along with the similar electric motor which is used by BMW i3. The company plans to invest 400 million Euro and will be manufactured at the Leipzig factory.

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