BMW has released full details and images of its first plug-in hybrid car, the i8 Plug-In Hybrid sport car at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
The BMW i8 weighs less than 1490kg, at 4689mm long, 1942mm wide at the mirrors and 1293mm high.
The BMW i8 wears an aluminium bonnet and outer skin for its carbon-framed doors, while the roof is carbon-fibre and the bumpers are plastic. It carries the lithium-ion battery and houses the carbon-fibre ‘Life Module’ body, plus aluminium subframes at both ends to carry the engines and suspension.
The BMW i8 combines a 96kW/250Nm version of the i3 city-car’s electric motor (powered by a liquid-cooled 5kWh lithium-ion battery and driving the front wheels via a two-stage automatic transmission) with a rear-mounted turbocharged 170kW/320Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, constituting an 'intelligent' all-wheel drive system.
|
BMW says it also designed the vehicle to have a balanced weight distribution. The doors of the i8 open upwards like wings and the vehicle is fitted with full LED headlights as standard and laser headlights are available globally where regulations allow them. The plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a three-cylinder gasoline engine with the BMW TwinPower Turbo system.
The range of standard BMW ConnectedDrive features, including cruise control with braking function, optional driver assistance, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition. Also available are the heads-up display, BMW online entertainment, concierge services, real-time traffic information, and mobility services like intermodal route guidance.
European options will include a driver assistance package comprising High Beam Assistant, a rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition and braking function.
The BMW i8 comes to the U.S. in the spring of 2014 will cost $135,925 including destination handling.
