2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6
Published Sep 2, 2009
FRANKFURT, Germany — BMW's stand at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September will showcase new properties from all three brands (BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce), including a special emphasis on environmental activism with the world debut of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW EfficientDynamics Vision — said to be a concept for a green performance car.
BMW describes the EfficientDynamics Vision concept as "a product of sustainable development" that will "demonstrate how efficient a sports car can be." It said the concept "will also prove that sustainability does not apply to the drivetrain alone, but to design and materials as well."
The 7 Series and X6 mild hybrids are expected to feature a V8 engine in tandem with an electric motor, similar to the powertrain teams displayed in earlier concepts. They'll be displayed along with BMW's entire fleet of EfficientDynamics properties.
BMW also plans to formally introduce the new X1 compact crossover and the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Under the same roof, Rolls-Royce will show the new Ghost and, to mark its 50th birthday, Mini will show the Mini 50 Camden and Mini 50 Mayfair, and will unveil its own take on EfficientDynamics in a package labeled Minimalism.
Inside Line says: We like the fact that Minimalism has fewer letters and syllables than EfficientDynamics. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent