BMW i8 testing continues and this prototype is the most revealing we’ve seen yet.

The thick rear camouflage has been dropped to reveal the production model’s rear shape and design. It mostly retains the look of the i8 concept model. We also get a look at the turn signals, reverse light position and the LED bars of the tail lights. The front now reveals a large portion of the headlights.

For the first time we get a look at the i8’s production wheels, a 5 (or 10 depending how you look at it) spoke wheel with a futuristic and asymmetrical spoke design.

The i8 is expected to boast 354hp / 500Nm torque, 0-62 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph, 78 MPG (european test cycle), up … CONTINUED

German based Solarwatt and BMW have partnered to provide a solar-panel system to be placed on home/garage roofs as part of a broader support system for the upcoming BMW i3 and i8 vehicles. The systems will be branded as 360° ELECTRIC which aim to be both aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, bringing efficient solar powered charging to your car.

Potential customers will be able to purchase the Solarwatt system at the same time as they purchase their BMWi or at a later time. The goal here is of course to create a truly sustainable backbone for owning a BMWi.

We have posted countless spy photos and videos of the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car, but we’ve yet to spy it on an actual track… until now. BMW trotted this i8 mule out to the Nurburgring this week and we managed to capture it on the Nurburgring for the first time.

The i8 is expected to boast 354hp / 500Nm torque, 0-62 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph, 78 MPG (european test cycle), up to 47 MPG average fuel consumption, with just 66kg/km emissions, all from its 1.5L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (in rear) with a 128hp electric motor (in front).

The i8 will hit the market next year and is expected to come in well above $100,000.

Catch our previous coverage of … CONTINUED

The BMW i8 hybrid sports car prototype continues testing throughout the winter, this time spotted in northern Sweden.

The latest prototypes show:

The BMW i8 hybrid sports car prototype continues testing throughout the winter, this time spotted in northern Sweden.

The latest prototypes show:

Classic Hoffmeister kink has now been revealed.
• Kidney grilles now more visible than ever.
• Sideskirts now match the concept i8.
• Side view mirrors are sportier and extend out further, for a more exotic look.
• Door handles have been deleted from the doors and moved to the newly created gap between the rear edge of the door and the rear quarter panel, just like on the i8 Spyder Concept.
• Rear fenders/shoulders and tail lights have been raised for a more aggressive look, to match the look … CONTINUED

It’s been months since we’ve spied any BMW i8 prototype showing any outwardly noticeable changes, but this i8 mule we spied last week finally shows some changes. We’ve also posted some photos below of a previous prototype and concept i8, for comparison.

• Classic Hoffmeister kink has now been revealed.
• Kidney grilles now more visible than ever.
• Sideskirts now match the concept i8.
• Side view mirrors are sportier and extend out further, for a more exotic look.
• Door handles have been deleted from the doors and moved to the newly created gap between the rear edge of the door and the rear quarter panel, just like on the i8 Spyder Concept.
• Rear fenders/shoulders and tail lights have been raised for a more aggressive look, to match … CONTINUED

The 2012 Concept Vehicle of the Year Award winner, the electric hybrid BMW i8 Spyder Concept [Official Info Thread], is making its North American debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show now underway.

We were able to get up close and personal with the i8 Spyder and have posted our photos inside.

Specs:

High performance 3-cylinder petrol engine (164 kW) in rear with i3’s electric motor (limited to 96 kW) in front
Total torque of 550 Nm (300Nm petrol engine + 250 Nm electric motor)
3 driving modes - electric, petrol, or both engines at once
1,630 kg
0-100kph (62mph): 5.0 seconds
80-120 … CONTINUED

With the BMW i3 electric city car and i8 electric hybrid sports car, BMW is ready to test online sales for the first time, according to Bloomberg.

As an inexpensive way to reach more buyers and recoup the cars’ development costs, BMW will sell the i3 and i8 directly over the internet for the first time. The i3 and i8 will also be sold in showrooms, but their initial retail rollout (including the first i-showroom in London) will be among a limited showroom network.

The online sales option is aimed at a generation of drivers used to making daily purchases over the Internet. Retail outlets will be restricted to dealers with high BMW-brand sales volume who have floor space as well as capacity to work with I models’ … CONTINUED

Electromobility is a topic for BMW since the 70’s. Have a look at the development of electric cars at BMW.

Of particular focus is the BMW E1 electric car which was introduced by BMW as its first all-electric car 21 years ago. It was a revolutionary car for 1991 which featured a rear mounted 37kW (49hp) motor, aluminum and plastic body construction. Its top speed was 72mph and had a 125 mile range. You can say that it is the spiritual forefather for the upcoming BMW i3 electric car. In fact, the i3 and E1 even share a somewhat similar shape.

But things have come a long way since 1991. The BMW i3 concept features 167hp and 184lb-ft torque, albeit with a shorter 93 mile range.