While the i3 is an everyday city car – albeit a very sophisticated one at that, the second member of BMW’s new i series that made its way to Frankfurt is an altogether different concept. Derived from the 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics study, the futuristic-looking i8 will enter production in 2013.
Hiding under the lightweight CFRP for skin is an extended range hybrid drivetrain comprising of a front-mounted electric motor sourced from the i3 and a rear-mounted 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit. The gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels.
Combined maximum output of the two drive systems is 349HP and 550 Nm (405.6 lb-ft) of torque, which makes it more powerful than the previous-generation M3. The sprint to 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 4.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).
According to BMW, the 2+2-seater i8 returns an average fuel consumption of just 2.7 lt/100 km (87mpg US).
PHOTO GALLERY
