Geneva preview: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

BMW has jumped the gun ahead of the Geneva Motor Show by releasing images of their star concept model, the Vision ConnectedDrive. While over 30 images of the concept have been made available, the finer detail is being saved for its full reveal next month.

For now, though, just look at that side profile. A finer looking 21st century roadster you’re unlikely to see. As for what this ConnectedDrive study is all about, this grab from BMW’s brief press release captures it best:

The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger.

UPDATE: A video from BMW’s YouTube channel has been added below.

BMW at the 81st Geneva Motor Show 2011

10.02.2011 – A multitude of unique new developments in the fields of drive systems and intelligent networking of the driver, the vehicle and the environment will be presented by BMW to the public at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th of March 2011; all of these contributing to a steady, continuous increase in both vehicle efficiency and driving pleasure.

The leading position in the automobile world occupied by BMW in the development of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services will be further strengthened at the 2011 Motor Show by the world premiere of an extraordinary concept vehicle. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure.

BMW presents new aspects of its distinctive driving pleasure to the motoring public with the development of concepts for electromobility. In the framework of BMW EfficientDynamics, the purely electric drive has adopted a key role on the road to CO2-free mobility. For the first time, electromobility styled by BMW is on the verge of becoming available to everyone for day-to-day use. The 2011 International Motor Show is the venue for the world premiere of the BMW ActiveE, an emission-free vehicle that offers the sporty feel, so typical of the brand, to up to four people.

BMW has also extended its lead in the field of conventionally-powered production vehicles, with the introduction of efficiency-raising technologies. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Touring Edition will be presented to the public for the first time. Its four-cylinder diesel engine develops a maximum output of 120 kW/163 bhp and yet consumes only an average of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle (CO2: 114 g/km). In the mid-range premium segment, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Touring Edition, together with the similarly configured sedan, provide by far the best combination of driving pleasure and economy.

Furthermore, the Geneva Motor Show is also the setting for the world premiere of the new BMW X1 xDrive28i and thus for a new generation of 2.0-litre petrol engines. For the first time in a four-cylinder engine, the drive unit is fitted with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology with a turbocharging system based upon the Twin Scroll principle together with High Precision Injection and the VALVETRONIC fully-variable valve control system. The result convincingly meets the objectives of BMW EfficientDynamics – more driving pleasure at significantly lower consumption and CO2 emissions.