The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable. Are you in for a ride? The i8 will certainly be a unique driving experience and this also shows in the interior of the i8: Large glass surfaces give it a light and spacious feel, 2+2 seats and sustainable yet high-quality materials highlight the everyday practicality approach of the designers.
The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept were unveiled for their first live appearence within the U.S.
The i8 is the successor of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Car which appears alongside many other BMW models in the upcoming movie "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol". Actress Paula Patton who also stars in the film and BMW of North America President Ludwig Willisch seemed to have a great time presenting sustainable BMW i models.
In close-up, the i8 is just as impressive as if seen from further away, don't you think?
BMW i8 Concept – emotional, dynamic and efficient.
The concept car BMW Vision EfficientDynamics created excitement and very positive feedback at the IAA 2009. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics made it clear that an emotional sports car with the fuel economy of a small car is no contradiction, but could soon be reality.
After successful initial testing of the vehicle concept, the decision for a series-production vehicle was quickly made. The BMW i8 Concept is the next step in the evolution of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The result: The most progressive and innovative sports car of its time.
Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance.
Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery.
This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
Source : BMW-i
