New BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid is the Sports Car of the Future [49 Photos & 4 Videos]

BMW has finally lifted the veils off its all-new i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, the second production model of its i sub-brand following the i3 electric supermini.

The 2+2 seater features a LifeDrive architecture developed specifically for BMW-i, with the life module passenger cell made from carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CFRP), drive system technology, high-voltage battery, chassis and crash and structural functions being all integrated into the aluminum architecture.

Dubbed “the sports car of the future” by BMW, the i8 has a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder twin-turbocharged petrol engine developing 231 PS (228hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque that drives the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox and a synchronous electric motor developing 96kW (129hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque that turn the front wheels via a two-stage automatic transmission. The hybrid setup is completed by a 5 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling.

With a combined system output is 362 PS (357hp) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, the i8 has the performance to match its sports car looks. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Despite these figures, it returns an unreal 2.5 l/100 km (113 mpg UK, 94 mpg US) – naturally, it includes the use of the battery. The i8 can travel up to 35km (22 miles) on electric power alone up to a speed of 120 km/h (75mph), with combined range exceeding 500 km (310 miles).

At 1,490 kg (3,285lbs), the i8 weighs no more than a similar conventional sports car, thanks to lightweight elements such as the CFRP passenger cell, doors with a CFRP-aluminum structure, instrument panel with magnesium support, aluminum chassis and a partition between the passenger compartment and boot made from thin glass.

Performance is also helped by the balanced weight distribution, low drag coefficient (0.26) and the low center of gravity (below 460mm/18.1in). Design-wise, the i8 combines hallmark features of the BMW brand with the styling language developed specially for BMW i cars. The i8 features clean, minimalist lines and homogenous surfaces defined by a small number of precise edges and function-focused details.

The dimensions (4,689mm length, 1,942mm width, 1,293mm height) offer the i8 typical sports car proportions, as do the long bonnet, short overhangs and long, 2800-mm wheelbase.

The driver-focused interior features lightweight seats and standard leather trim that extends to parts of the center console, instrument panel and door panels. The instrument panel has horizontal lines and overlapping, three-dimensional segments.

The center console houses the gearshift lever, the controller for the iDrive operating system, the start/stop button, eDrive button and Driving Experience Control switch. The iDrive has an 8.8-inch display, while a bespoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and the Navigation system Professional are standard features.

By Dan Mihalascu

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