The BMW i8 vehicle weighs 3,200 lbs and will be offered exclusively as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle is a 2+2 with pop up doors that open the style that seems to be a mix of Lamborghini and DeLorean.
The BMW i8 will use a 170 hp electric motor to drive the front wheels and a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 223 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque to drive the rear wheels. Originally, there was talk of a gasoline-powered counterpart using a V8 or possibly a V10 engine, but that car is no longer part of the program.
The electric i8 plug-in hybrid will be able to travel 20 miles on electric power alone. It also has a projected average fuel economy rating of 104.2 mpg on the European Cycle.
BMW i8
(Credit: BMW) BMW's i-series is the automaker's attempt at combining performance and efficiency. Two hybrid vehicles - the compact BMW i3 and the sporty i8 - have been teased in the run-up to the New York International Auto Show next week. Though still in the concept phase, BMW is intent on having the i8 production-ready soon. These are some of the latest images of the performance hybrid BMW calls "emotional, dynamic, efficient."
(Credit: BMW) The BMW i8 series combines an electric drive system with a standard combustion engine. BMW claims the hybrid can make zero-to-60 in less than five seconds while also maintaining 94 miles-per-gallon in the tank.
(Credit: BMW) There is also topless version, the i8 Spyder, in the works. Expect more information to come out once the NYIAS starts next week. Look here BMW i8 actions video
BMW i8 Spyder concept
(Credit: BMW)Source : cbsnews.com
