BMW i8 2017
The first car to come out of this development was the i3 pure electric car and then the i8 plug-in hybrid.The hybrid sports car will get upgrades in powertrain, chassis and overall design. While the current 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill coupled to an electric motor generates 362hp, the updated combination is likely to churn out 425 horses. This is approximately 18 per cent increase in power. The German carmaker is likely to introduce the induction charging option also in the facelift. Apart from this, it will focus on weight reduction by using carbon-fibre tyres instead of aluminium ones.
The long wheelbase, short overhangs, precise lines, and sweeping silhouette give the appearance that the BMW i8 is surging forward even when it is standing still. The scissor doors of the BMW i8 provide an undeniable emotional and sporty allure that make it truly one-of-a-kind.
From front to back, the BMW i8 is dedicated to reducing drag. The streamflow design of the vehicle's rear wing provides significant downforce all the way up to its top speed of 155 mph. EfficientDynamic technology allows vents to open and close to offer cooling, further reduce drag coefficient, and improve the vehicle's overall aerodynamics while the front Air Curtains channel airflow through the back vents to cool the TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine.
The Driving Experience Control switch on the center console offers various driving modes. The standard COMFORT mode offers a balance between sporty performance and fuel efficiency.
The plug-in hybrid system uses the same 3 cylinder 1.5 litre engine we have seen in the new generation of the Mini Cooper hatch.It develops 231 bhp and a very neat 320 Nm of torque. The twinpower turbo petrol engine is housed transversely on the rear axle and power goes straight to the rear wheels via a 6 speed auto box. The electric motor sits up front and puts out 131 bhp and a juicy 250 Nm of ready torque. This unit channels power to the front wheels using a 2 stage automatic transmission.
The i8 can go 0-100 kmph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is 250kmph. And just in electric mode alone you can go up to 120 kmph!
Exterior
The external design of the BMW i8 harks back to that of the 8 Series range of cars that were sold in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This design comprises a low slung body style, large hood and stubby back, something that the i8 has managed to embody and yet, still look modern as possible.
The front is dominated by a colourful and rather flat twin kidney grille, it gets an oblong-shaped full LED headlights and a strange looking bumper that has aerodynamically enhanced wings just below the headlamps. The wind shield is raked sharply and further adds to the low look of the car.
The side profile is low and characterised by the scissor doors which opens upwards and out providing the i8 with true sportscar credentials. It gets its own special design for the alloy wheels as well as various aerodynamic creases and lines for improved efficiency and to add to the futuristic appearance.
The futuristic appearance of the i8 comes alive at the rear-end where the prominent features include a futuristic interpretation of BMW’s current tail lamp design, bits of body work that act as spoilers. The rear bumper appears to be wider towards the edges in a bid to maintain an even design over the flared wheel arches. While being purposeful, it also adds to the cars muscled appearance.
Interior
The i8 gets the standard BMW interior with a few space age touches like the digital gauges and what appears to be a 10-inch display to interact with the iDrive system. The 2-seater car has been trimmed out in a combination of leather, chrome plastics for the centre console and high quality plastics for the rest of the cabin.
Engine
The BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder twin scroll turbo engine that produces 231bhp and 320Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed AT. The front wheels are connected to an electric motor via a two-stage AT box. This motor produces the equivalent of 131bhp and is mated to a 5kWh lithium-ion battery. This combination takes the total output to 362bhp and 570Nm of torque allowing the i8 to do 0-100kmph in 4.4 seconds.
Specifications:
General
- Body Style: Coupe
- Size: Sub-Compact
- Market Segment: Electric
- Weight: 3455 lbs
Exterior
- Length: 184.9 in.
- Width: 76.5 in.
- Height: 50.8 in.
- Wheelbase: 110.2 in.
- Ground Clearance: 4.6 in.
- Front Track: 64.7 in.
- Rear Track: 67.8 in.
- Weight Distribution: 48.8/51.2
- Drag Coefficient: TBD
Interior - General
- Seats: 4
- Passenger Volume: TBD
- Cargo Volume: 4.7 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
Interior - Front Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 43.1 in.
- Head Room: 38.7 in.
- Shoulder Room: 56.7 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
Interior - Second Row
- Volume: TBD
- Leg Room: 28.2 in.
- Head Room: 32.4 in.
- Shoulder Room: 49.6 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Engine Type: -
- Power: 228 hp @ 5800 rpm
- Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
- Highway Fuel Economy: TBD
- City Fuel Economy: TBD
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: Yes
Chassis
- Layout: All Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
Wheels
- Front: 20" Aluminum
- Front Tires: 215/45
- Rear: 20" Aluminum
- Rear Tires: 245/40
Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: N/A
- Payload: N/A
- Tongue Weight: N/A
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