The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Unveil of the Fully-Electric BMW i3 and Hybrid-Electric BMW i8 Concepts +VIDEO


PHOTO


BMW Specs, Comparisons and Prices - BMW Buyers Guide

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - November 16, 2011: As scenes from the latest installment of the Mission Impossible film series played on an 18-foot-tall, 39-foot-wide silk screen, the screen itself was whisked away to unveil the first concept vehicles of the new visionary and sustainable brand, BMWi; the fully electric BMW i3 Concept and the hybrid-electric BMW i8 Concept; from which Paula Patton, star of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and BMW President Ludwig Willisch emerged, officially unveiling the vehicles for the first time in North America at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.  The BMW i3 and i8 Concept vehicles represent the first purpose-built electric and electric-hybrid vehicles to be made primarily of carbon fiber when they become available in 2013 and 2014, respectively.


Watch the complete BMW Press Conference


The BMW i8 Concept, which is the successor to the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics car featured in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol starring Tom Cruise to be released in December, is a sleek, low-slung, silver and glass sports car with flip-up doors.  The BMW i3 Concept, previously known as the "megacity vehicle," is more compact for congested city driving and features the same color scheme with large glass doors that open "coach" style, i.e. the rear doors opening in the opposite direction from the front.

   • SEE ALSO: PRESS PASS COVERAGE of the Los Angeles Auto Show

In addition to BMW vehicles being featured throughout Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol; including the futuristic BMW Vision EfficientDynamics and the BMW 6 Series Convertible, which are driven by Tom Cruise's character, Ethan Hunt ; BMW vehicles are prominently featured in several scenes.  BMW is also a major part of the promotional trailers and signage that is being released leading up to the film's premiere and has launched a Mission: Impossible-themed marketing campaign dubbed "Mission to Drive."

The all-new BMW M5 also made its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.  The BMW M5 combines an exceptionally dynamic high-performance sports car with a luxurious business sedan, offering significantly improved efficiency, supreme long-distance comfort and innovative driver assistance systems and infotainment functions.