Normally, when one mentions any reference to the word “Hybrid”, shudders and torturous visuals of older generation Toyota Prii (plural of Prius) come to mind; and for myself especially, it’s like a panic attack of automotive question marks combined with a dose of sore eyes.
Fortunately, the world moves on, as does that of the hybrid propelled automobile. Today, manufacturers such as Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche have joined the game with their hyper-offerings; all of which dispel the notion that hybrids have to resemble awkwardly styled hatchbacks (and yes Honda Insight, that was a jab at you too). So, not wanting be left out of the race, BMW have joined the fray with their i8 Hybrid Coupe entrant.
As noted with our recent i8 Coupe spy-shots caught at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, BMW has been slowly peeling back the heavy camouflage off its prototype versions; however, as one with itchy feet cannot wait for the official reveal, an illustrated version of the final product was in order – as seen here exclusively at CarScoops.
First impressions are – well let’s just say, cautiously optimistic. The final product resembles more ‘mainstream’ than ‘minority report‘ compared with the i8 Concept, which is slightly disappointing, as BMW could have had a visual game changer on its hands. Instead, more conventional design elements have appeared – cue the clumsy ‘Hofmeister’ kink with its thick weather shielding, and the absence of the concept’s transparent side panels. It seems the bean counters may have an overriding influence; or that aerodynamic targets could not be reached using the radical bodywork – nevertheless the final result is still rather handsome.
Design at the business end remains close to the show-car, sans a few ‘depth’ details around the LED headlights. Those swept glossy black ‘fangs’ sit prominently either side of the lower intake as they lead up into the headlights – with the same gloss-black theme extending onto the central hood vent and lower sill panels. Cabin architecture is more user-friendly with a higher roofline and windscreen rake, whilst larger side mirrors should make viewing beyond those floating rear buttresses easier.
Speaking of the latter – the buttresses, combined with integrated LED tail lights have the potential to make the rear end quite a stand out – in fact it is one of the closest design aspects in relation to the concept car. As for the inside; it is expected to similarly follow the concept i8’s design with exception of some minor detailing, and will retain the 2+2 seater layout.
As we have mentioned previously, much of the bodywork is wrapped in carbon-fibre along with aluminum use in suspension and structural components. Propelling this Bavarian automotive structure is a plug-in hybrid powertrain coupled to a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, sending most of its power to the rear wheels for that ‘ultimate driving machine’ experience. The electric motor takes on a health and safety role by sending power to the front wheels for added traction and to lower MPG’s for those who don’t like a wallet bruising.
Competition? Well, it certainly does not come from likes of the Prius and Insight. In terms of sports car competitors, the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder are in a different league, but the upcoming Acura NSX and Lexus LF-LC could potentially be in the list. Yet none of them offer a 2+2 layout like the i8 and arguably on paper, the BMW looks to be the more fuel-efficient choice, if that counts for something. As for availability; expect it to appear in showrooms next year with pricing tipped to exceed the €100,000 (US$130,000) ballpark – at least in Europe.
So a final question for our loyal viewers – does it look the goods or has it lost its concept car appeal? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
By Josh Byrnes
Photo Renderings Copyright: Josh Byrnes / Carscoops
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