This BMW could be basis for the Apple Car - and we put it to the ultimate test

Reports surfaced last month that Apple CEO Tim Cook has visited BMW in Germany to explore the possibility of using the automaker's compact electric "city car," the i3, as the basis for a possible Apple Car.

Subsequent reporting suggested that the i3's role in "Project Titan" had been put on hold. We were intrigued, however, so when BMW let us borrow and i3 for a summer weekend, we jumped at the chance.

What would it be like to drive what could be a glimpse into Apple's automaking future?

As it turned out, we had the perfect trip planned for the i3: a little over 200 miles, round-trip, from suburban New Jersey to the Catskills in upstate New York. If Apple builds an Apple Car, it's expected that it will be electric, and biggest problem for electric cars to overcome is "range anxiety" - the fear that you'll run out of juice and be stranded.

Our i3 was the "range extended" version, equipped with a small gas motor than kicks in when the batteries are drained. It doesn't drive the wheels; rather, it generates electricity to power the motor. Coming in at around $46,000, this version of the i3 is good for 150 miles, according to BMW.

So how did what could be the Apple Car do on the journey? Read on to find out.