The folks over at Autocar magazine are reporting that BMW is exploring a plan to build an "eco-conscious" - we hate using the term "eco-friendly" on performance orientated vehicles - supercar that would rival the Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming SLR McLaren successor, the so-called SLC. Company insiders are said to have described the as-yet-unnamed 'green' supercar as a modern day M1 and one that ' draws on all the very latest BMW technology and lightweight build processes.'

The British magazine suggests that the two-seater supercar will be mid-engined, most likely featuring a revised version of the Bavarian firm's 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six petrol unit. -Continued

The car will be equipped with the latest fuel-saving technologies from BMW's Efficient Dynamics programme including direct injection, brake energy regeneration and stop-start systems as well as enhanced aerodynamics. It is believed that BMW may also employ a kinetic energy recovery system similar to the one that will be used on the Bavarian automaker's 2009 season F1 race cars.

This is said to result to supercar performance figures and driving dynamics with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that will be equal or even better than a mid-range 5-Series. If the green supercar gets the final okay from BMW officials, it could hit the market as soon as 2012.

Source: Autocar