BMW i100 Coupe ActiveHybrid in the Works

We are sure the BMW i100 Coupe ActiveHybrid doesn't ring any bells yet, as the car actually doesn't exist. But, if we are to trust the rumors, this is going to be the name of a car German manufacturer BMW is give to a new electric sports car aimed straight at Audi's e-tron and set for launch sometime in 2013.

According to BMWblog, citing internal sources, the car will be using a three-cylinder direct injection engine (developing producing 165 to 185 horsepower) and two electric motors (good for an extra 100 horsepower). The car will have a somewhat limited range in electric, of about 15 to 50 kilometers.

Back at the beginning of the year, news of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept turning production version in 2014 surfaced. Or, the engine-motor configuration said to be fitted onto the i100 Coupe ActiveHybrid is exactly what was presented in the Vision at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

This combination, fitted into the Vision EfficientDynamics, allow the vehicle to reach sixty in 4.8 seconds, and makes it capable of reaching a maximum electronically-limited speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Fuel consumption according to BMW is 3.76 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of 99 grams/km in the EU test cycle.

According to the source, BMW plans to sell 35,000 units of the i100 Coupe ActiveHybrid and will price one at around EUR100,000. The car will be available in the US as well, possibly with a four-cylinder engine.

The even more exciting rumor however remains the possibility of the i100 to get an M version. According to Auto Bild, the car will wear the M100 name and will be powered by an inline six-cylinder engine paired with electric motors.