EfficientDynamics is BMW’s term for cars from its stable that use less fuel and emit less carbon dioxide. But, before you think the German manufacturer has signed up to drive Miss Daisy, consider that the luxury brand has vowed that green does not have to equate to boring.

Fans of BMW can this week see one of the future expressions of this philosophy at the Johannesburg Motor Show in the form of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, which is the forerunner to the BMW i8 concept racer, shown to the world at last month's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, which means propulsion is through the combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The German manufacturer says the concept car points the way to the first production vehicles which will be offered by its new alternative drive sub-brand, BMW i.

The i8 will roll off the production line in 2014 at the BMW plant in Leipzig. It promises to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds, while boasting fuel consumption of less than three litres per 100 km.

As for BMW’s premium small-car brand, Mini, the manufacturer unveiled the Mini Coupé and the Mini Paceman concept at the motor show.

The hunkered-down two-seater Coupé will be offered in South Africa with a choice of three engine variants, with outputs ranging from the 90 kW to an eager-to-thrill 155 kW.

In contrast to the Coupé, the Mini Paceman Concept is very much still only a look-don’t-touch vehicle.

The four-seater car features two large doors and a wide-opening tailgate. It is built on the same platform as the bulked-up Mini Countryman, and features increased ground clearance and raised seating position.

“It combines a sporty, masculine appearance, versatility and coupé looks with the dimensions of the four-door Mini Countryman,” says BMW South Africa.

The result is a Mini muscle car, or a small-car sports activity coupé, and it should eventually find its way – similar to the road travelled by the Coupé from concept to reality – to local showrooms.

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