BMW is showing its vision of future transportation with two new electric powered concepts, the BMW i3 and i8.? Both cars will be part of a new BMW sub-brand that are planned for production in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

?We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,? declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. ??As the world?s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,? he added.

With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 93 miles, the BMW i3 Concept has been specifically developed for use in an urban environment.? It?s powered by a 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensuring BMW-style dynamic handling.? The car uses an innovative LifeDrive architecture featuring a carbon passenger cell to keep the weight down to under 2,800 pounds while maintaining the highest crash safety levels. With four seats and a seven-cubic foot of cargo space, it well suited for everyday use.

This will be the first volume production car with carbon fiber bodywork. The i3 is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph is under eight seconds, and it will have a high-speed charger that produces an 80 percent battery charge in just one hour.

?The i8 is BMWs look at the next generation sports car.?? The concept accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds and had fuel consumption of about 78 mpg.? Its plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 21 miles in the electric mode ? sufficient for most everyday journeys. For more dynamic driving or out-of-town routes, a high-performance three-liter gas engine also comes into play. The sports car has an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph and space for up to four occupants.