Bmw expects to sale in North America over 1,000 hybrids in its first year
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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At the Frankurt Auto Show, be on the lookout for BMW's two new hybrid vehicles that are based on its 7-Series flagship sedan and sporty X6 crossover. Unlike other hybrid models, these cars are true performers equipped with a V8 engine and an electric motor. The hybrid tha's based on the 7-Series is the 2010 ActiveHybrid 7, which outputs 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
On the other hand, the 2010 X6 Hybrid is the world's most powerful hybrid due to its 480 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque output. The only downside is that fuel economy is only expected to be about 15% and 20% better than regular V8 versions of the 7-Series and X6 respectively. BMW says however that this will not be an issue with its luxury customers, especially in North America, where it expects to sell 1,000 hybrids in its first year.
BMW's U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell explained that American luxury customers still want a V8. O'Donnell said that the new hybrid models are only a small part of BMW's overall plan to become greener. In addition to making its cars lighter with more aluminum and carbon-fiber, BMW intends to implement more of its EfficientDynamics technologies as well as introduce more diesel models--especially for its 5-Series sedan and X SUVs and crossovers. Expect the ActiveHybrid X6 to arrive in showrooms in December, followed by the ActiveHybrid 7 in April next year.
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