Statement by Dr. Herbert Diess, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development, at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013
Ladies and gentlemen,
A warm welcome to the BMW Group!
Today we are presenting two series models in Japan for the very first time: the BMW i3 and the BMW i8.
We believe Japan will be a core market for BMW i because many customers here:
Value a car that has state-of-the-art technologies
Have a preference for sustainable products
Enjoy the quality of a premium vehicle
For them, BMW i offers the perfect solution:
The BMW i3 is a new vehicle concept for urban mobility, powered by an all-electric drive system.
The BMW i8 is a revolution in sports car construction and powered by a plug-in hybrid drive.
Both models are tailor-made for electric motoring.
So, electric mobility with BMW i is not only emissions-free; it also brings a new dimension to sheer driving pleasure.
The BMW i3:
Weighs in at less than 1,200 kg
Its carbon components more than offset the extra weight of the battery.
Its turning circle is just 9.86m – surprisingly small.
It accelerates steplessly right up to its top speed and sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 7.2 seconds. Full torque is available from standstill.
And despite having the outer dimensions of a small car, it has the interior space of a BMW 3 Series.
And what about the BMW i8?
The front axle is driven by an electric engine.
The rear axle is powered by a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine.
In combination, these two power units deliver the kind of acceleration that is appropriate for a sportscar.
The electric motor and performance electronics in both the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 were developed purely in-house by ourselves.
This means the BMW i3, for example, can make the best possible use of charge levels remaining in the battery-pack.
And in the BMW i8 it has resulted in two perfectly synchronized power units – regardless of the operating conditions.
I am absolutely convinced that our discerning Japanese customers will love both of these models.
Ladies and gentlemen,
You are now witnessing a world premiere: the new BMW 4 Series Convertible! Or, as its called here in Japan: the BMW 4 Series Cabriolet.
The 4 Series Convertible takes sheer driving pleasure to new heights.
Thats because:
Its axle load distribution is balanced 50:50.
The chassis setup is very special: An additional torsion strut in the front end connects the front wheels more rigidly to the vehicle. And a five-arm rear axle offers sporty elasto-kinematics.
And then there is the intelligent lightweight concept.
Depending on engine and equipment, the various lightweight materials in the body and chassis of the 4 Series Convertible make it up to 25 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
At launch the most powerful model will be the 435i Convertible. It is powered by a straight six-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll Turbo technology delivering peak performance of 306 hp.
With an eight-speed automatic transmission, it:
Accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
Uses on average 7.5 litres of fuel per 100 km.
All together, these features make for an especially dynamic overall package.
When the first 3 Series Convertible was unveiled back in 1985, its driving dynamics set new standards in this segment.
That success story is now set to continue – with this fifth generation of the convertible.
In terms of the customers it addresses, the 4 Series is following in the footsteps of the 3 Series Convertible. It targets a clientele that values elegant design and driving pleasure above all else.
But a number of other features lend the newcomer an even sportier air than its predecessor:
The 4 Series is 26 mm longer, with a 50 mm longer wheelbase, and 43mm wider.
Its hardtop, which our clients consider as a key success factor, opens in about 20 seconds at the touch of a button, even when the car is in motion at speeds of up to 18 km/h. On top the hardtop gives the 4 Series Convertible a very dynamic and Coupé-like look when it is closed.
With the roof closed, luggage capacity in the 4 Series Convertible stands at 370 litres.
With the roof open, the electric loading aid, which comes as standard, makes for trouble-free loading and unloading:
it lifts the roof, which is stowed in the luggage compartment, to provide easy access to the cargo space. With the roof open the car has a very elegant look…
As you can see, our engineers and designers have worked to achieve a number of things:
More distinctive aesthetics
Greater dynamism
More product substance
for instance
through full LED headlights with anti-dazzle full beam,
through high-quality interior materials
and the new neck warmer.
The new 4 Series Convertible underpins the 3 Series successful defence of its segment leadership over several decades. It has everything it needs to take the lead once again.
As you can see, BMW and BMW i stand for the BMW Groups premium standards.
They unite:
Sustainability
Quality
and
Sheer driving pleasure.
Thank you very much!
BMW Group
Petuelring 130
80788 München
Deutschland
Telefon: +49 (089) 382 – 0
Mail: bmwgroup.customerservice@bmwgroup.com
URL: http://www.bmwgroup.de
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