Up until now, we weren’t sure if BMW would keep the supercar-like scissor doors seen on the original Vision EfficientDynamics concept and the evolved i8 study on the production model as the company’s engineers avoided opening up the car in front of our scoop photographers.
However, being the diligent spy shooters that they are, they managed to snag the first pictures of the final production prototype with the passenger-side door wide open, and as you can see from the pictures, the i8 will indeed keep the concept’s swiveling doors fixed to the A-pillars.
The i8 will be the flagship model of BMW’s new “i” sun-brand and will enter the market after the smaller i3 hatchback, which is expected in showrooms next year.
Like the concept version, the production i8 will combine the modified electric drive system from the i3 hatchback fitted over its front axle with a high-performance 1.5-liter three-cylinder combustion petrol engine at the rear.
The electric motor, which uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels, will be able to power the car on its own if required, while the gasoline engine will drive the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission.
Working together, the two systems will develop around 350-horses, which should prove enough given the lightweight construction of the i8 that features aluminium structures and a carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body shell.
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