BMW to Premier ‘Green’ Models in L.A.

BMW will reveal its electric and plug-in hybrid prototype cars for the first time to a North American audience at this week’s Los Angeles International Auto Show.  The cars are part of BMW’s i brand and include the purely electric powered i3 compact city car and the hybrid i8 sports car.

Both models will be revealed on Wednesday at 4:10 p.m. EST.  BMW boasts that the i3—set to go on sale in 2013 and the i8—which will follow on the market in 2014, are the first purpose-built electric and hybrid cars made mainly of carbon fiber.

The BMW i8 Concept is low to the ground and features doors that flip upward.  The i3 is designed for driving in the congested city and has large glass doors that are hinged at the rear; for easier entry and exit from the vehicle.  BMW also revealed plans to show its M5 sports sedan at the L.A. show—a car combining sports performance, comfort and fuel efficiency.

Source: Wall Street Journal

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