BMW ‘M’ division to use hybrid technology in the long-term

Posted: Jul 25, 2008
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We’ve previously heard that that BMW’s M division is considering V6 turbocharged engines for future M models to cut CO2 emissions. Well, now BMW M GmbH is reportedly considering hybrid-drive in the long-term. Currently, output of conventional combination of a gasoline-engine and electric motor is still too low for the high-performance division to put into production models.

According to BMW M GmbH head of development Albert Biermann, BMW is looking to transfer over the technology it will start using in its Formula 1 cars in the 2009 season called KERS. KERS, which stands for  Kinetic Energy Recovery System, has a hybrid module consisting of an electric motor, generator and a battery.

The hybrid module is said to be five times smaller and about five times more powerful than in a conventional hybrid. At low speeds, the energy is recovered and saved to the electric-motor and then used later for additional power.

There is no word when BMW will use the technology in production M models.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport


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  • Bobmarley

    “five times smaller and about five times more powerful”

    thats five times awsome! but prob five times more money?

  • Ghidrah

    I would have thought a diesel variant would have been made 1st for the M series.

  • Jacob

    Stupid… Just follow Audi and merc as they put diesel in their RS and AMG models… Besides if the power bands are not large enough for a six-speed–then they can creat a 9 speed tranny to one up Lexus..

  • Bobmarley

    “five times smaller and about five times more powerful”

    thats five times awsome! but prob five times more money?

  • Ghidrah

    I would have thought a diesel variant would have been made 1st for the M series.

  • Jacob

    Stupid… Just follow Audi and merc as they put diesel in their RS and AMG models… Besides if the power bands are not large enough for a six-speed–then they can creat a 9 speed tranny to one up Lexus..