share on BufferThe Megacity Vehicle is the result of a project started by BMW in 2008 with the goal of developing new technologies for eco-friendly urban vehicles to be marketed under a new brand.
Now the German carmaker has revealed the first teaser image – a preliminary design sketch – and some additional details of the car, which is expected to go on sle in 2013 under a new sub-brand.
The Megacity Vehicle (MCV) will feature an electric powertrain delivering 134 hp, powered by lithium-ion batteries and coupled with a rear-wheel drive system.
The car will be the world’s first volume-produced vehicle with a passenger cell made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
This new vehicle architecture is called LifeDrive and is aimed at significantly reducing the vehicle weight, by adopting lightweght materials and effective engineering solutions.
"The LifeDrive concept consists of two horizontally separated, independent modules. The Drive module integrates the battery, drive system and structural and crash functions into a single construction within the chassis.
"Its partner, the Life module, consists primarily of a high-strength and extremely lightweight passenger cell made from CFRP. Furthermore, the new vehicle architecture opens the door to totally new production processes which are both simpler and more flexible, and use less energy."
The Drive module also integrates crash-active aluminium structures in the front and rear sections of the vehicle provide additional safety. The battery is mounted in the underbody section of the car to further increase passenger protection.
According to BMW, the new architecture of the MCV will give designers additional freedom when it comes to creating a new aesthetic solutions.
(Source: BMW)
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