The enthralling new BMW i8 was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month in the sequel to a special driving event for leading journalists at the BMW Groups Miramas test track in France in June. Reports from Frankfurt all expressed a common theme – BMW i8 achieves a breathtaking combination of efficiency with all the attributes expected of a BMW: dynamic handling, exceptional performance, captivating styling and the sheer quality only BMW vehicles possess. At Frankfurt Henry Catchpole of EVO Magazine said he found the car ‘stunning’, and says he can’t wait to drive it.
The BMW i brand occupies a unique place in the automotive industry. It is a vision of efficiency, the new premium quality and pure BMW driving dynamics. Since 2011 when the startling Vision EfficientDynamics Concept starred in Mission Impossible 4 the motoring world has been looking forward to the launch of the BMW i8. Now in its pre-production phase the i8 is set to surpass even the highest expectations, with its unique blend of sustainable technology and futuristic BMW styling.
Just like an F1 racer the i8’s structure is based on a carbon-fibre structure with aluminium sub-frames for mounting both motors and suspension components. As a plug-in hybrid the BMW i8 boasts two power sources. A powerful BMW TwinPower Turbo1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine drives the rear wheels, and it is supplemented by a compact electric motor in the front that delivers instant torque to the front wheels. As you would expect this combination produces electrifying performance, the i8 sprints to 100 km/h in just in 4.5 seconds – matching the acceleration of the upcoming BMW M4. The 7.1kW lithium-ion battery pack can be fully recharged in just two hours on a standard domestic supply, making the BMW i8 a realistic everyday ownership proposition for people who want to drive a BMW at the absolute cutting edge of automotive technology.
Drivers have the choice of Economy, Comfort and Sport modes, which vary the proportion of power generated by each motor depending on their requirements. However Sport is the setting most drivers will choose, because at heart the i8 is a full-fledged BMW supercar.
Since the concept was released the exterior styling has evolved and been refined, but importantly it has not changed dramatically from the first stunning BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. Details have been resolved and aerodynamics have been improved to ensure high-speed stability and efficiency, but all the key styling cues remain. Not least being the exciting scissor-doors, which open to reveal a truly luxurious, typically BMW interior, richly endowed with quality leather, natural fabrics and metallic accents.
The BMW i8 will be delivered to its first customers in 2014. For more details of this breathtaking sports car please contact your BMW Dealer.
