Is BMW Ditching the Gasoline Hybrid Already?

Even though BMW has been working on a joint development program with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler for the two-mode hybrid system for a couple of years now, it looks like the system may never actually get installed in a BMW vehicle. BMW has been a diesel proponent for many years and will soon be launching new diesels in the US market. However they have yet to publicly commit to a vehicle or introduction date, even though GM will have the system on their full size SUVs starting this fall and Chrysler will introduce it early next year.


Read Article

BMW_DRVR - 4/13/2007 9:40:49 AM

0 Boost

BMW said they and MB were still working on the system since they were luxury brands and require a greater level of refinement.

Carboy - 4/13/2007 3:24:55 PM

+3 Boost

SHUT UP!

Thank you,
Carboy

nvme - 4/13/2007 11:26:17 AM

+1 Boost

My newly acquiered 320Cd does 49 mpg combined cycle, while a friend with a 2005 Prius gets 46 mpg... I have a car you can actually look at, drive around corners, (and eventually afford to be seen in)...
I have to say that around town the Prius gets 50 mpg so if you mainly need it there, and can manage to live with it, go ahead...

SupraNeverBack - 4/13/2007 1:26:23 PM

-5 Boost

Lame excuse, why don't they just be honest to admit having some difficulties on mastering the complex hybrid techniques. I don't see how hybrid and diesel contradict each other.

SupraNeverBack - 4/13/2007 1:54:35 PM

-4 Boost

Barely started? Toyota has paved a lot of road for them.

Do you know how long it took for Toyota to put out the world's first Prius?

Answer:

24 months!

BM3W - 4/13/2007 3:28:35 PM

+3 Boost

BMW is working on their diesel hybrid system. Which in my opinion is far superior than a standard hybrid gasoline system.

norak - 4/25/2007 4:37:23 AM

+1 Boost

A diesel hybrid will be much more efficient than a gasoline hybrid, about 20% more efficient in fact. But no car manufacturer seems to be making one. It may be due to the diesel engine itself, which doesn't start up as smoothly as gasoline engines and hybrids need to start and stop the engine all the time.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2007 6:01:36 PM

0 Boost

I'd rather see them stick to diesels. I don't want to see mainstream "big three" vehicles (BMW, MBZ, Audi) conform to US demand. Hybrid powertrains, while a convenient technology for the present, are not sustainable for future fuel-sipping.