BMW's Concept Cars

BMW unveiled a pair of concept cars, one a hybrid and one electric, made of light-weight carbon fiber and a see-through glass exterior. The cars are expected to go into production within the next two to three years.

The carbon fiber in the i3 city car and i8 sports car significantly reduces the weight of the vehicle and the size of its frame, giving designers more flexibility and creating more interior space for passengers. The material, used in the aerospace sector and also for high-end bicycles, is valued for its strength-to-weight ratio. Its uses are expanding, however, and engineers are designing everything from camping equipment to pool cues. It has coach-style doors, with rear and front doors swinging open at the center of the vehicle.

The all-wheel drive car has a battery and a gas engine that work together, with the battery powering the front wheels and a gas engine powering the rear wheels.