BMW plans first hybrid supercar

The Vision Efficient Dynamics model emits just 30 per cent of the M6 coupe's output of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Photo / Supplied

BMW AG will build its first hybrid supercar as part of a broader effort to create more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Vision Efficient Dynamics model, which accelerates to 100km/h in 4.8sec while emitting 99g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, will go on sale in 2013, the Munich-based carmaker said. It didn't give a price for the vehicle.

The hybrid sports car will have a similar acceleration rate to BMW's M6 supercar, while emitting just 30 per cent of the M6 coupe's CO2/km, according to BMW.

CEO Norbert Reithofer is developing the hybrid supercar and the battery-powered Megacity Vehicle to help meet tougher environmental regulations and to boost sales to 2 million vehicles by 2020 from 1.4 million this year.

The new sports car, which has doors that open upwards and has a height of 1.24m, is powered by a three-cylinder diesel engine and two electric motors.

BMW also will invest $950 million to set up production of the Megacity city car, it said. The investments include a new carbon-fibre factory in the United States and a $700 million expansion of its Leipzig plant.

The Megacity, BMW's first battery-powered vehicle, will be sold under a new sub-brand when it reaches showrooms in 2013.

Passengers in the four-seat car, designed for urban driving, will be protected by a carbon-fibre safety cell, similar to a Formula One race car.

"With this vehicle, we are revolutionising automobile manufacturing," Reithofer said.

BMW is using carbon fibre, which is 50 per cent lighter than steel, to reduce weight and enable a smaller, less costly battery to power the vehicle.

BMW and SGL Carbon SE, the world's biggest manufacturer of carbon and graphite products, are building a $1.3 million factory in Washington, to make the material for the Megacity models.