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NEWS
BMW Motorrad Concept e
Electromobility is just one of the new buzzwords to meet future transport needs, and BMW has delivered a creative blueprint at the world's biggest motor showBefore the end of 2011, BMW Motorrad will establish an "Urban Mobility" wing, with two premium vehicles in the maxi scooter segment powered by conventional twin-cylinder combustion engines.
But that’s just the thin end of the wedge to meet future ‘electromobility’ requirements, which is why BMW introduced the ‘Concept e’ at tis week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
In shaping its e-scooter of the future, BMW allowed its designers carte blanche, but one that aimed to “translate the special character of electric drive technology to the vehicle's outward appearance” and to “attach importance to an emotional dialogue between rider and vehicle”.
Even setting aside the buzzwords, the Concept 3 is clearly identifiable as a member of the BMW Motorrad family, with the so-called split face running from the upper trim section to above the front wheel cover. There is also twin-tipped spoiler, a boomerang-shaped, aerodynamically formed floating panel, and the seat signs off about halfway along the rear wheel.
And don’t bother looking for rear vision mirrors, as there aren’t any. It’s not a glaring omission, as instead there are two video cameras integrated in the glass of the rear light cluster, which clearly displays the situation on the road behind. Speed and other relevant data is shown on a digital display in the cockpit which is reduced to the essentials.
BMW says that a realistic range of 100km is within the e’s reach, and there is no requirement for a special charging station.
And performance should “enable safe overtaking on urban motorways when carrying a passenger”.
BMW doesn’t produce concept vehicles on a whim, so we expect this one is a categorical sign of production intent. The only question is when?
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Written byBikesales Staff
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