BMW’s “Project i” City Car

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BMW has been speculated to launch a new generation of ultra-efficient city cars ever since the release of its official strategy outline in September last year. March this year was when Norbert Reithofer, BMW’s CEO, declared that the German automaker had plans for a new environmental think-tank – “Project i”. This project’s task was to develop solutions for a vehicle for congested city motoring.

Project i’s deadline to develop a concrete solution is the middle of the next decade, especially if BMW wants to produce a zero-emissions vehicle for global consumption at a certain point, as confirmed by one of the managers, Herbert Höltschl. AutoBild has even reported that BMW has already produced a rendering of a possible design for one of the new models, which will look totally different from any past BMWs.

BMW’s options include using motorbike engines ( petrol and diesel ), but electric propulsion as well. Two wheel pod vehicles and compact four-wheelers are both being considered. The first decision on the drive system will be taken by the end of the year, as development is still in the planning stage.