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.
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First interior listen and view of the sensations in the i8, during a ride along by EVO.
Towards the end of the clip, it’s confirmed that the i8 will receive the same Active Sound Design from recent models such as the F10 M5 and M135i to enhance the i8’s sounds in the interior.
Here is the best look yet at the gullwing / butterfly doors which will be featured on the production BMW i8 when it hits the market in 2014. The doors appear to open in the same fashion as did the BMW i8 concept.
Judging by photos, it’s apparent that the doors will not be constructed from glass, as in the concept i8. According to Scott26, the door skins are made of CFRP, but BMW is working on applying type of film over the CFRP which can be unpainted - giving the door a smooth glass-like finish and bringing the look of the i8 concept’s glass doors without actually using glass (which are impractical for many obvious reasons).
Automakers have thrown their considerable weights behind green technology. This comes as no surprise given the seemingly ever climbing gas prices and stringent future CAFE standards. Electric driven vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity amid these concerns. But does green technology spell the end of performance sports cars? Not if manufacturers such as BMW, Porsche, and even an upstart such Fisker Automotive have a say.
The two German powerhouses and American newcomer are each set to produce their own eco-friendly yet exotic, sleek, low slung plug-in hybrid sports cars. Porsche’s offering is the Porsche 918 Spyder, a hybrid super car starting at $845,000. The Fisker Karma comes in at the other end of the price spectrum and starts at $95900. The just introduced BMW i8 … CONTINUED
See the BMW i8 hybrid sports car in video and get some more insight into its overall design philosophy, aerodynamics, center information display, and plug-in hybrid technology.
