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BMW: Newfangled Idea

Former Today Show hosts Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel joined the all-new BMW i3 for its 2015 Super Bowl spot. The 60-second spot harkens back to the pair's bewilderment over the Internet way back in 1994, before cutting to the revolutionary electric Bimmer, which elicits a similarly perplexed reaction. It's a clever spot for BMW, tying its perhaps misunderstood EV to another formerly unfamiliar piece of tech. We're no strangers to the i3, but if you are, check out our detailed review on the electric hatch.

BMW wheels out single-cylinder G 310 R motorcycle

BMW makes a lot of motorcycles, including cruisers, enduros, off-roaders, sport bikes, and scooters. The one thing it hasn't done is a single-cylinder motorcycle with less than half a liter of displacement. But that all changes with the arrival of the G 310 R. Previewed by the Concept Stunt G 310 revealed last month in Brazil, the new G 310 R is BMW Motorrad's first sport bike with an engine smaller than 500cc. Though developed in Germany, the G 310 R is built in India around a new liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine displacing just 313 cc. That tiny cylinder does boast four valves, along with dual overhead camshafts and electronic fuel injection. It makes 34 horsepower and 21 pound-feet of torque. The engine is nestled into a compact tubular steel frame. It features a single headlamp up front, a molded fuel tank, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes with ABS, and aggressive styling. It all weighs just 350 pounds, with a seat that's less than 31 inches off the ground. Along with the G 310 R, BMW also revealed an electric motorcycle concept based on the S 1000 RR. That one you can check out on Autoblog Green. For a closer look at the G 310 R, you'll want to peruse the extensive image gallery above, and for further details, the press release below. BMW Motorrad G 310 R The new BMW G 310 R – the first BMW roadster under 500 cc. One cylinder, low weight, powerful dynamic performance – the BMW G 310 R embodies the pure essence of a BMW roadster: it has neither too little nor too much of anything. Pragmatic in the best sense of the word, it offers precisely what is needed – for dynamic performance and comfort, both in town and out in the country. The BMW G 310 R takes these essential qualities into a capacity segment that is new to BMW Motorrad. As a genuine BMW roadster it masters a range of disciplines: it is just as happy winding its way nimbly and flexibly through the narrow streets of a city as it is travelling supremely and powerfully along country roads. And thanks to its exceptionally low level of fuel consumption and a relaxed, comfortable seating position, it offers the welcome capability of being able to cover a long distance at a time. At home on the roads of the world. Newly conceived from scratch, the G 310 R represents everything BMW Motorrad stands for: innovation, quality and of course many years of carefree partnership with its owner.

BMW planning plug-in hybrid versions of core models

To the casual observer, there's a sort of schism in the world of fuel sipping. The Japanese, Koreans and Americans have embraced electrification by way of hybrid powertrains, while our German friends lean towards diesel technology. BMW is actively pushing to change that impression, as it's announced that it will take a break from niche-busting MPVs and lifted, four-door coupes to produce plug-in hybrid versions of some of its "core-brand" models. This charge will be led by a 3 Series eDrive, whose innards are shown above, with BMW fitting a version of its turbocharged four-cylinder and an electric motor to its popular sedan. This, it should be noted, is quite a departure from the ActiveHybrid 3, which relies on a thirstier 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder. More specific details, such as the total system output, the electric range of the plug-in system or the amount of time it will take to charge, aren't yet available. BMW has, however, said the eDrive 3's systems are "directly based" on those used in the i3 and i8, and that includes larger components, like the lithium-ion battery and electric motor. "All BMW Group models benefit from BMW i. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models," said BMW board member Herbert Diess. "When it comes to the electrification of the drivetrain, we are deliberately developing a wide-ranging expertise in order to offer our customers worldwide the ideal solution." BMW will unveil a prototype of the 3 Series eDrive in Miramas, France, although it's not clear when either it, or the X5 eDrive the company mentioned in its attached press release, will arrive to market. New generation of plug-in hybrid models Munich/Miramas. The BMW Group is preparing to follow up its innovative and revolutionary BMW i models with plug-in hybrid versions of the core-brand models. In Miramas, France, it will present a BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype and a new generation of hybrid vehicle concepts incorporating technology already used in BMW i models. Long term, the BMW Group is planning to offer plug-in hybrid versions of all its core-brand models. Herbert Diess, Member of the Board of Management BMW AG, Development, said: "All BMW Group models benefit from BMW i. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models.