EnI
Piston Pioneer
V5 aka RFK (Room Functional Concept) aka Space Travel Concept aka Luxury Sports Cruiser
scott26 said:
The RFK is BMW's interpretation of what a space functional concept vehicle or as it is known in development the BMW's interpretation of Space travel should be. The RFK is also a first step in BMW defining new niches with unique products that take the next step as BMW designers are currently shaping the future . Extending the design language and exploring all avenues and possibilities for future products.
BMW now appeals to the individual customer now that is why we are the worlds successful Car company.
The RFK is seen as a niche product much in the vein of the X5 as well as filling out the product portfolio with our usual products. BMW are developing a portfolio of unique "mobile communication statements". The design does the talking in this portfolio of models which will appear in our long term strategy including unique groundbreaking ideas. So, the Xcoupe was not just a styling exercise. That concept still has an agenda - mind X6 SAC.
In the future BMW will offer a unique vehicle in each class as we differentiate from the competition , Think how Mercedes are launching the CLS Because BMW proved a radical design could break open the segment.
BMW see the RFK as a car with no challengers. They are not concerned by the R-Klasse. They know what it is like now and see their product as different . BMW have took RFK design ideas further compared to the R-Klasse which looks like a SUV mini van or a mini bus.
The RFK will be a sleek fastback coupe like vehicle although it will not be as spacious or plain as the R-Klasse ( which is aimed at the US )
The RFK will appear to the continental european . It will drive like a car , handle like a car and have same weight distribution as a car.
The RFK is a very exciting product for BMW, because they know that when the RFK arrives in 2008 the MB R-Klasse will be already established. Not only will BMW offer a vehicle that is unique, not only in design, but also in handling, construction, interior and technology.
BMW have taken a new approach to this segment and are hoping to reap the rewards when the car goes on sale. Of course it is well to remember that BMW's last niche vehicle from tradition the X5 has been a tremendous market success. BMW are hoping that when the RFK eventually hits the market that the success is repeated. We want to release two RFKs in intervals – each based on different size platforms.
It is still early but although the groundwork and development are beginning
There is much talk of what to call the RFK. »V« is the prefered choice. So, the RFK might get the V designation - on strong emphasis on versatile instead of van, but there is still time to change priority. The design itself will proclaim that this is not a van. When this car gets unveiled it will be ahead of it's time.
The RFK is expected to feature a V8 and a twin turbo V8 petrol. A diesel the top engine will be a twin turbo V10 diesel tuned for performance developed from the upcoming V10 diesel.
BMW do not want the RFK to have the top line powerplants and leave it at that. They want the car to be a BMW a new progression for BMW but it has to have the character and ability, so desired in a BMW.
Rumours that the car will introduce V6 engines is Bullshit.
BMW do not believe in V6 engines. A V6 is not to our priorities, because we use inline six cylinder engines. That is essentially part of our mantra: »Defy convention of other car manufacturers«.
RFK is a true 21st century vehicle. The styling sets up for the next generation of BMW.
We make sport sedans, coupes, tourings and SAV's, so we will not be different with the RFK. We want to make a sporty niche premium vehicle: competent, dynamic and alien in the market. And the RFK is it. The RFK will be positioned as another sporting product from BMW.
Driver and passengers will experience a special, individual feeling of space, combined with the dynamic performance and elegant, sporty look, which are associated with the BMW brand.
Btw, some of these new engines, that I have mentioned, have just entered design and prototype stage. What I am taking from is decision on paper with what they want and what they are beginning to design.
Internally the new diesels are described as »M« diesels - although in concept and idea only! Hence the emphasis on performance.
The first engineering prototypes are being developed on extended 5er Tourings and 7ers.
Along with full integration of i-drive apart from major functions the RFK will also spearhead at i-drive functions that will download into the key from home or office terminals, so all settings are stored for each user of the car. This include vehicle settings, seats, routes, drive preparation, music. The in RFK built technology will also be the signal to the forthcoming 7er in 2008
To showcase further individuality, BMW would like to offer hydrogen power as they believe a radical car would compare well with radical technology and hydrogen power could well be a strong candiate in the not so distant future.
The use of carbon fibre will feature such as the roof structure which will entail low centre of gravity for better handling and performance.
Space, Performance and innovation will be it's identity.
The interior is planned to offer a 2-3-2 seating or strict 5 seater arrangement, Long wheel base is to be decided but might be offered or not a central seat in the rear passenger compartment is also under discussion. Be under no illusion that The rear two seats are for adults. They will mainly be for small children. BMW are have legislation for rear suicide doors as this would mark out the concept as unique, daring and adventurous amongst the competition. Safety will of course be a high priority with multiple airbags and a new safety system being developed now for future BMW's
The RFK will also enhance the BMW design language forward it will be a postmodern futuristic vehicle.
The AutoBild Huckfeldt's pictures are roughly 94,95% correct. The scale is wrong, but not the height. This thing sits long and low. Again this is why R-Klasse looks like a Minivan or SUV compared to the RFK. The rear picture of the car is more to scale.
The front will feature headlamps that curve into the front of the car to the prominent stand out twin kidney grille. You cannot see the front details very well in those pictures. Some images showing a 3er , 5er face are way off the mark.
And whilst other manufacturers are looking at super wagons, BMW reckon this would be commercial suicide. BMW will whet the appetite for the RFK with a concept for some upcoming auto show as they want to show that they are not developing a " Van".
The car should be ready for launch in 2008.The vehicle will be produced in our German plant network, for the parts, components and architectures will have features in common with the BMW brand models produced in this country. Moreover, we are expecting demand for this “space-functional” automobile to be strongest in Europe at the moment.
