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BMW i8's three-cylinder sounds like it's shaping up quite nicely

We've run across some rather interesting news... or perhaps we should say interesting sounds. The folks from Bimmerpost have scrounged up a short video showing a preproduction BMW i8 running through a few gears in Sport mode at a quick pace, and if you were concerned that the somewhat eco-friendly nature of the upcoming German sports car would neuter its ability to stir the aural senses, fret not.
Judging by the lovely noise coming from the engine compartment of the i8 in the video, BMW's expertise in tuning high-strung, small-bore engines - remember, BMW Motorrad has quite the penchant for well-conceived motorcycle engines - has come through loud and clear. Now, it's worth mentioning that BMW's controversial Active Sound technology will be included with the i8, so the production car may not sound exactly like this version, which is running with the tech disabled. Owners won't have the ability to disable Active Sound on production i8s.
In related news, Bimmerpost reports that BMW will equip the i8 with an external Active Sound Design system to go along with its Pedestrian Protection System. That means those on the outside will likely hear piped engine recordings from the rear and a sort of "howl" from the front in order to warn pedestrians that the otherwise quiet (when running on electricity, that is) car is approaching. It will also feature technology that can stop the car before contacting a pedestrian.

Recharge Wrap-up: Lego Tesla logo, BMW goes electric in Singapore

A man built a giant Tesla logo out of Legos. Adrian Drake, a Tesla owner, displayed his brickwork homage to the electric car company at Brickworld Chicago. In the video above, the hosts interview Mr. Drake about his creation, and he gives some insights into how he conceived and constructed the freestanding display. Drake also demonstrates its sturdiness, giving the logo a tap to send it wobbling precariously from side to side. You'll probably notice that standing to the left of the logo is a Lego model of a Tesla Supercharger. That was built by Robert Turner and can be seen in a separate video. See the Lego Tesla logo in the video above, and read more at Teslarati. Canadian power generator TransAlta will use Tesla stationary batteries for a commercial energy storage project. The project involves installing five Tesla Powerpacks to store energy during periods of low demand for use during peak grid times. TransAlta believes that energy storage systems like this will help encourage the creation of more wind and solar energy. "This is a major step forward in putting new technology to work in Canada," says TransAlta Lead Engineer of Technology Dan Chapman, "and Tesla is already a leader in this field." The project is expected to be up and running in late 2016. Read more from TransAlta. BMW and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have launched an electromobility research program. In addition to the projects the joint Future Mobility Research Lab is already working on, (Advanced Battery, Driver Enhancement and Intelligent Mobility), the groups will also begin Electromobility in Asia and Smart Materials research projects. The Electromobility in Asia project focuses on how people interact with BMW's i cars, while the Smart Materials project seeks to improve touchscreens and interactive surfaces. BMW has provided the lab with an i3 and i8 with which to conduct research. Each partner is investing $965,000 into the new programs. Read more at Green Car Congress, and in the press release below. BMW Group and NTU embark on S$1.3 million electromobility research NTU receives BMW i3 and BMW i8 as research platforms Singapore. BMW Group and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) today launched a new electromobility research programme, involving the all-electric BMW i3 and plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8 that runs on electricity and petrol.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe could be coming

Dig the BMW 2 Series coupe but wish it had more doors? Well you're in luck, sir or madam, as that's just what BMW has in store. According to Autocar, the Bavarian automaker is planning to launch a 2 Series Gran Coupe. And what's more is that there'll be an M2 version with four doors as well. Not to be confused with the 2 Series Gran Tourer – a front-drive city car based on an entirely different platform – the 2 Series Gran Coupe would follow the same formula that BMW applies to the 4 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe. That is to say a sedan with sleek "coupe" styling, sized to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3. BMW unveiled a similar design as the BMW Concept Compact Sedan at the Guangzhou Motor Show last year. The production 2 Series Gran Coupe will likely look more like the existing 2 Series coupe, only a bit longer to accommodate the additional doors. It's also possible the Gran Coupe could have a liftgate at the back instead of a trunklid. The best part is that an M2 version is likely. The M2 coupe is one of our favorite cars; a four door option would increase the appeal to many. It's expected to pack the same 3.0-liter turbo six as the M2 coupe, good for 365 horsepower and mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. In classic German automaker fashion, this makes sure BMW doesn't cede a market slice to the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and the forthcoming Audi RS3 sedan, but the Bimmer will stick with a rear-drive layout instead of its all-wheel-drive rivals. Of course there will be other, less powerful versions as well, including gasoline and diesel engines with three cylinders or four, and potentially even a plug-in hybrid. Buyers will also be able to choose between rear- or all-wheel drive setups. As no official announcement has been made, it's anybody's guess as to when we could see any variant for sale in the US. Related Video: