At next week's Paris Motor Show BMW will showcase its latest hybrid technology in its latest 7 series luxury saloon. The first 'true' hybrid, this 7 Series departs from other concept and idea studies undertaken by BMW, where hydrogen technologies were heavily explored.
Essentially, the ActiveHybrid is based on the new 750i, so there's a suitably healthy 300 KW and plenty of torque from the twin-turbo V8. The difference here, though, is there's an electric motor added into the equation to offer power when necessary.
The systems works by storing and utilising energy generated while under braking. The electric motor then distributes this captured energy to power any electric systems in the engine or cabin, enabling the engine to exclusively power the car itself, rather than commit a percentage of power to running other areas of the car. The flow on effect of this is that the car runs smoother all the while seeing improvement on fuel consumption and emissions figures, up to 15% in normal conditions. Not only that, but the electric motor essentially gives the car another 15KW to play with, along with an additional 210NM. This energy is stored in a high-performance lithium battery stored in the boot in a system which is said to be much less troublesome than that found in the Toyota Prius.
If this concept of stored energy sounds familiar it's because Formula One will feature a similar system from 2009. From next year all teams in F1 will be allowed to run with what's called KERS. Much like that in the 7 Series Active Hybrid, KERS (or Kinetic Energy Recovery System), will enable an F1 car to store energy generated under braking, giving the driver a 60KW boost for 6.67 seconds whenever he wants it. Along with other manufacturers in Formula One, BMW has been working hard at developing their KERS system in time for the 2009 season, and like most other F1-derived technologies this work on the track is already filtering into the showroom. The ActiveHybrid shown here is essentially the first development of BMW's road production version of KERS.
While only a concept at this stage, expect the technology to be offered across the BMW range within the next 2 years. It's just a shame that an electric motor won't fix the new 7's lacklustre looks. With no Chris Bangle influenced flair or vision to be seen, the new car is sadly nothing more than a conservative, automotive yawn.
