Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, BMW, Lightweight
BMW M3 CRT - Click above for high-res image gallery
Pictured above is the BMW M3 CRT. In this case, CRT is short for Carbon Racing Technologies, according to BMW. While the BMW M3 CRT is not what we'd typically call "green" - output from its monstrous 4.4-liter V8 engine is 450 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque - but it's CRT tech showcases what we'll soon see used on two of the German automaker's alt-fuel vehicles: the electric i3 and the plug-in hybrid i8.
The M3 CRT represents the worldwide debut of an innovative production process for carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). This process, according to BMW, allows a cellular carbon honeycomb to be woven into CFRP mats of any size before being impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened. In the M3 CRT, only the hood and front bucket seats are made of CFRP. However, both the i3 and i8 will feature bodies made almost entirely from CFRP. BMW says that extensive use of CFRP will keep the i3's weight in check, allowing the rear-wheel-drive electric to go 100 miles before needing a charge.
[Source: BMW]
Continue reading BMW M3 CRT showcases CFRP carbon fiber tech coming to i3 and i8
BMW M3 CRT showcases CFRP carbon fiber tech coming to i3 and i8 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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