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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BMW E1: The unlikely 1991 concept that quietly shaped the future of EVs
Looking at the pictures of this dumpy, rust-coloured city car, you're no doubt wondering how such a creation could find its way onto our Cool Concepts page, but BMW's E1 was more cutting-edge and influential than its pedestrian appearance would suggest. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Unveiled at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show in response to tightening emissions laws coming out of the United States (remember, in the 80s, between 70 and 80% of cars there were V8-engined), the E1 was a product of BMW Technik GmbH: the same engineering division that brought us such novelties as the Z1 and the zany Z18, which placed a Z3 roadster-style body on a high-riding SUV chassis. BMW was all too aware of the limitations of battery technology at the time, especially with regard to operating range and charging, so it chose to develop E1 as an urban mobility solution. Related: All-New Honda Amaze Lands in SA – Pricing and Spec Unlike many concepts, which are little more than an eye-catching shell on a chassis, powered by a golf cart motor, the E1 was built as a fully roadworthy prototype. This meant that in addition to accommodating the practical considerations and high-quality cabin materials typical of BMWs, the E1 also had to conform to the crash-safety standards of the day. To achieve this, the car was not only fitted with dual front airbags, but also utilised an innovative construction comprising an aluminium frame clad with plastic panels that was both tough and lightweight. A rear axle-mounted electric motor fed by sodium-sulphur batteries mounted under the rear seat (another nod to production-viable crash safety) developed a modest 37kW but was good for a top speed of 120km/h and a very respectable range of 200km. Charging was achieved via a standard electrical socket, using a plug stashed in one of the E1's kidney grille panels, and took six hours. Related: Toyota Celebrates 40 Years at Le Mans With Throwback Liveries These features may not seem that significant by current standards, but they were cutting-edge at a time when EVs were little more than an automotive pipe dream. Unfortunately, the E1 was perhaps a little too far ahead of its time in some regards. Deficiencies in the cooling systems needed for the sodium-sulphur batteries, which had the double-threat disadvantages of high optimal operating temperature and highly combustible innards, were revealed when the original prototype caught fire while charging, destroying the car and part of an adjacent building. Consequently, BMW utilised more stable sodium-nickel chloride batteries for its successor, the 1993 Z15 concept. The E1 may have looked bizarre and been limited by the battery technology of the time (not to mention sadly combustible) but its design and architecture would go on to form the blueprint for BMW's first production-series EV, the i3, as well as casting the die for the growing range of impressive i EV models to come. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Cool Concepts – BMW E1 Concept appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
READY, JET, GO! car inspired by FIGHTER JET that can reach speeds of 211mph goes on sale for eye-watering £1.3million
It may cost a pretty penny, but the car is actually increasing in value over time Ultra rare super READY, JET, GO! car inspired by FIGHTER JET that can reach speeds of 211mph goes on sale for eye-watering £1.3million Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ultra-rare Lamborghini supercar inspired by the F-15 fighter, which can whizz up to 211 mph, has hit the market for a whopping £1.3million. Lamborghinis aren't exactly dime a dozen, but the 2010 Reventón Roadster is one of just 15 ever made. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The epitome of exclusivity, the roadster, in pristine condition, was originally unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show Credit: mediadrumimages 8 Aviation enthusiasts will go wild for the Grey Alcantara interior which mirrors the iconic fighter jet - nostalgia in a car Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The streamlined set of wheels will go on sale at Sotheby's Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The aggression of the car's lines, never fail to dominate the road Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The back panels and the car's astonishing acceleration were inspired by the Fighter Jets sheer horse power Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The showstopper has only 2,500 miles on the clock Credit: mediadrumimages The stunning sports car's 6.4-litre V-12 engine, rated with 660 horsepower, can go from zero to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds. With just 2,500 miles on the clock, the silver Lambo is being sold by posh auctioneers RM Sotheby's. It last hit the market in 2022 after its Swiss owners decided to offload it after nabbing it in 2019. Unusually for motors, the car's value has climbed with time, originally hitting the market for £954,000 plus taxes back in 2019. Read more CEO GONE Boss of iconic Brit supercar maker steps down after merger with luxury EV brand It is now expected to sell for £1.3million- not bad for a second-hand set of wheels. Its striking geometric design and aggressive lines echo the iconic US Army fighter jet, which has been in use across the world since 1969. The doors, which, when opened, soar up towards the sky, mimic the plane's cockpit. The showstopper, with its satin finish, is one of only 20 Lambos to have a hard top. But have no fear, retractable roof means the driver can still bask in the sun's rays in the summer. As with the hard top, the roadster's rear deploys at 80mph, changing to a steeper angle at approximately 140mph for even more downforce- that's a lot of wind in your hair. 8 The thunderous naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V-12 engine, borrowed from the Murcielago LP670-4 SV, delivers a verified 660 horsepower Credit: mediadrumimages 8 Liquid crystal screens, head-up displays, reflect the fighter jet's control room in the fifth-generation Revention Roaster Credit: mediadrumimages The satin-finished showstopper also has a James Bondesque feature - roll over hoops which quickly shoot up, you get overexcited and start to barrel roll down the road. But you can track your G-force metre to record exactly how savage the acceleration is. The listing states: 'With their attention-grabbing design and rarity, these Reventón showstoppers set a template among supercar manufacturers. "This example was delivered to its first owner in Switzerland in July 2010 via Lamborghini Porrentruy. "The Roadster was finished in the model-specific satin shade of Grigio Reventón over similarly stealthy Grey Alcantara trim. "The interior is also notable for the trio of TFT liquid crystal screens that make up the instrument panel and mimic aircraft head-up displays. "Stamps in the service book reflect that the Reventón Roadster returned to the Lamborghini Porrentruy dealership in August 2012, 2,371 kilometres, August 2013, 3,187 kilometres and January 2018, 3,778 kilometres for routine maintenance."
The Irish Sun
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
READY, JET, GO! car inspired by FIGHTER JET that can reach speeds of 211mph goes on sale for eye-watering £1.3million
AN ultra-rare Lamborghini supercar inspired by the F-15 fighter, which can whizz up to 211 mph, has hit the market for a whopping £1.3million. Advertisement 8 The epitome of exclusivity, the roadster, in pristine condition, was originally unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show Credit: mediadrumimages 8 Aviation enthusiasts will go wild for the Grey Alcantara interior which mirrors the iconic fighter jet - nostalgia in a car Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The streamlined set of wheels will go on sale at Sotheby's Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The aggression of the car's lines, never fail to dominate the road Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The back panels and the car's astonishing acceleration were inspired by the Fighter Jets sheer horse power Credit: mediadrumimages 8 The showstopper has only 2,500 miles on the clock Credit: mediadrumimages The stunning sports car's 6.4-litre V-12 engine, rated with 660 horsepower, can go from zero to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds. With just 2,500 miles on the clock, the silver It last hit the Unusually for motors, the car's value has climbed with time, originally hitting the market for £954,000 plus taxes back in 2019. Advertisement Read more It is now expected to sell for £1.3million- not bad for a second-hand set of wheels. Its striking geometric design and aggressive lines echo the iconic The doors, which, when opened, soar up towards the sky, mimic the plane's cockpit. The showstopper, with its satin finish, is one of only 20 Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Breaking Exclusive But have no fear, retractable roof means the driver can still bask in the sun's rays in the summer. As with the hard top, the roadster's rear deploys at 80mph, changing to a steeper angle at approximately 140mph for even more downforce- that's a lot of wind in your hair. 8 The thunderous naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V-12 engine, borrowed from the Murcielago LP670-4 SV, delivers a verified 660 horsepower Credit: mediadrumimages 8 Liquid crystal screens, head-up displays, reflect the fighter jet's control room in the fifth-generation Revention Roaster Credit: mediadrumimages Advertisement The satin-finished showstopper also has a James Bondesque feature - roll over hoops which quickly shoot up, you get overexcited and start to barrel roll down the road. But you can track your G-force metre to record exactly how savage the acceleration is. The listing states: 'With their attention-grabbing design and rarity, these Reventón showstoppers set a template among "This example was delivered to its first owner in Advertisement "The Roadster was finished in the model-specific satin shade of Grigio Reventón over similarly stealthy Grey Alcantara trim. "The interior is also notable for the trio of TFT liquid crystal screens that make up the instrument panel and mimic aircraft head-up displays. "Stamps in the service book reflect that the Reventón Roadster returned to the Lamborghini Porrentruy dealership in August 2012, 2,371 kilometres, August 2013, 3,187 kilometres and January 2018, 3,778 kilometres for routine maintenance."
