In addition to a new M Coupe, BMW will show a new, hybrid-drive X3 concept at the Frankfurt show. The hyboo prototype will be powered by BMW's (formerly) super-secret system of super capacitors we reported on two months ago. The system's specially designed capacitors, called Syncaps, are charged by regenerative braking, and power an electric motor in short, high-energy bursts to assist in standing-start acceleration only. We'd imagine a flagpole-shaped torque curve would likely be the most obvious benefit, along with fuel conservation from keeping the gas-engine idle during the period of its poorest fuel economy.

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BMW s Secret, High-Tech Hybrid; Hybrid Mercedes Prototypes to Be Shown in Frankfurt [internal]

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