September 12, 2013 — Auto Trends Magazine

PHEV BMW i8

The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), marrying vehicle electrification to a sports car body. It is a 2+2 super car, based on BMW’s all-new and proprietary LifeDrive architecture. The passenger compartment is made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic with wing-like doors accentuating this model’s persona. Its big on the positive emotive points that BMW enthusiasts want, dispensing with the utilitarian look that most EVs advance.

BMW says that its super car combines its TwinPower Turbo technology with eDrive, to deliver a model that will go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds, while still delivering a projected 94 mpg equivalent fuel economy rating. The drive train makes 362 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque, “with torque distribution geared towards optimized dynamics.” The gas engine supplies 231 horsepower to the rear wheels and the electric power delivers 131 horsepower to the front wheels for this all-wheel drive model.

Multiple Driving Modes

The BMW i8 is equipped with five driving modes, enabling drivers to go as far as 22 miles on electric power only and at speeds up to 75 mph before the 1.5-liter three cylinder gas engine kicks in. Its COMFORT balances vehicle dynamics and efficiency; the SPORT mode makes the best use of the electric motor’s boost function; ECO MODE achieves its highest efficiency numbers, what can be operated in both all-electric and hybrid modes.

The vehicle’s aluminum chassis features a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle. BMW makes use of electric steering, dynamic damper control and will outfit each model with 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Other lightweight materials include the instrument panel with magnesium support, thin glass utilized on the trunk and carbon fiber-aluminum used in the doors.

Equipment List

BMW has not released the full standard equipment list for the i8, but we do know that it will include a fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display, leather sports seats; four interior equipment options and a proactive drive system. Other features will include a navigation system, online entertainment, traffic reports, high beam assist, surround view, a rear back up camera, and a head-up display.

Owners will also have access to an in-home i-Charging station, a special ChargeNow card for public charging and various app-based mobility services. Additional details will accompany its US debut, likely to take place at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show this Nov.

Much comment has been made in the press about the BMW competing against the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari, to name a few. On a pure performance level, the BMW i8 won’t match the sub 3-second 0 to 60 mph mastery of the hyper cars, the be all and end all measuring stick for the most rabid enthusiasts. What the BMW i8 brings to the segment is a model that takes up where the Tesla Roadster left off, serving a tiny niche of deep-pocketed consumers that want the novel, even the extreme.

Model names like Corolla, Civic and Beetle seem to have been around forever, but it is the Chevrolet Suburban that takes the prize as the longest continual model in the world. Come 2015 it will celebrate its 80th anniversary, representing 12 generational changes dating to the heart of the Great Depression.

80th Anniversary Model

To mark its anniversary, an all-new model will make its debut in the first quarter of 2014. That model, the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, will be joined by the smaller Tahoe as well as the similar GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. All four models will preserve the body-on-frame truck characteristics that have long defined this line. Unibody construction? Don’t count on it for many more years.

The release of the next generation Chevrolet Suburban comes as large SUV sales continue to rise. This, despite gas prices that are well above $3 per gallon across the country, approaching or topping $4 per gallon in some states. Through the first six months of this year, Chevrolet Suburban sales are up 16 percent, keeping pace with industry-wide growth.

GM is bullish about its big SUVs, profitable vehicles that maintain a loyal customer base. These vehicles are popular with large families, outdoor enthusiasts and are oftentimes marshaled as fleet vehicles, providing the livery support that many companies want. Said Dan Amman, GM executive vice president and CFO, “This is an important and profitable segment and we have set the bar high to ensure we provide our customers with great quality and performance they expect and deserve.”

Direct Injection Small Block V-8

The standard engine for the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban is GM’s small-block V-8 displacing at 5.3 liters. This engine makes 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 foot-pounds of torque at 4,100 rpm. It features direct fuel injection with cylinder deactivation, the latter shuts down four cylinders at highway cruising speed to conserve gasoline. This engine is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Chevrolet Suburban adds 14 inches to the Tahoe’s 116-inch wheelbase and is 224 inches long. That’s 20 more inches than the Tahoe. The width for both vehicles is 80.5 inches; height comes in at 74.4 inches. Chevrolet Suburban curb weight ranges from 5,576 to 5,815 pounds, shedding just over 100 pounds in the 4×2 model while maintaining nearly the same weight as the current 4×4 Suburban.

See Also — 2019 Chevrolet Silverado & a Turbo Four

Chevrolet Suburban Amenities and Options

The twelfth generation Chevrolet Suburban brings in many new features including keyless entry with push-button start, an eight-inch color screen with the latest version of Chevrolet MyLink, up to six ports and six power outlets including a three-prong 110-volt outlet, an available rear seat entertainment system with dual screens and a Blu-Ray DVD player, fold flat second- and third-row seats, and a conversation mirror.

A 360-degree radar system is also new, part of a safety package that includes crash avoidance and passenger protection. Other safety features included or available are: forward collision alert, front parking assist, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, rear traffic cross alert and adaptive cruise control. A center stack airbag, unique to GM, will be included with both the Tahoe and Suburban.

The exterior is marked by the latest Chevrolet truck/SUV fascia and includes projector-beam headlamps. Choose the LTZ edition and high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lamps are included.

GM says that the next-generation Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe is quieter than the current edition with improved steering and braking feel. This model features a stronger frame, a wider rear track, magnetic ride control with the LTZ edition, standard 18-inch wheels and available 20- and 22-inch wheels, variable-assist power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes.

Made in Texas, USA

GM taps its assembly plant in Arlington, Texas, to build its large Chevrolet and GMC SUVs. That plant will begin production of the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban later this year, continuing a long string of full-bodied SUVs that have played an integral part in the North American auto industry.

See Also — At a Glance: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Archives for September 12, 2013

BMW i8 Bedazzles at Frankfurt