i8 First Spyshots BMW i8.

[Deckhook]

BMW are busy preparing the i8 plug-in hybrid supercar which will be launched in 2014. We have already spotted an early prototype oout testing but now further technical details have surfaced from British-based Car Magazine.

According to the report, the power output of the production version will exceed the pre-production concept that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.

While the concept's output was rated at 353 PS (260 kW / 349 hp), the production model will produce a combined figure of 393 hp ( 293kW / 399 PS ). The electric motor will be responsible for 170 hp (127 kW / 172 PS) of this figure with the rest coming from the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit. The combined peak torque is rated at 550Nm(406lb ft) which is identical to the figure reported on the concept.

The powertrain will be mated to four-speed transmission system which has been introduced to extend the performance range of the sports car. The other models within the BMW i range are expected to use a single-speed gearbox.

The kerb weight will supposedly come in at 1450kg (3197 lb) which represents a 30kg weight loss from the concept and suggests we could see a performance boost when the i8 hits production form. However it is stated that the 0-100kph (0-62mph) acceleration figure will dip to 4.9 seconds which is 0.3 seconds slower.

Pricing will start well in excess of €100,000 and BMW expects to sell around 10,000 units per year.

Info provided from Worldcarfans
Read more: BMW i8 production version details spilled


So more power, less weight and this actually makes it slower to 60?

 

[Human]

BMW revealed its planned flagship offering, the i8 Concept, at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show to complete its all-new i-range of eco cars.

The i8 employs an innovative plug-in hybrid drivetrain, featuring the same 170 horsepower electric motor found in the i3 at its front axle, but with the addition of a 223 horsepower (up from 220 at Frankfurt), 295 lb-ft of torque (up from 221 at Frankfurt) 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder at the rear. The two power plants are connected via an “energy tunnel”, which also houses the i8’s battery pack. According to the magazine, that puts total combined output at 393 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

With the combined power pulsing to all four wheels, the i8 is capable of accelerating from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. Unlike many EVs which use a single-speed transmission, the i8 uses a four-speed automatic transmission.

Despite that supercar-like performance, the magazine says that the i8 returns 104.2 miles per gallon on the more lenient European test cycle. Previously, BMW suggested the i8 would return 94 mpg imperial on the combined cycle. For trips up to 20 miles, the i8 is capable of traveling on electric power alone.

The i8’s performance is aided by its LifeDrive architecture, which puts a heavy emphasis on lightweight materials. The low placement of the plug-in’s battery along with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution should ensure the i8 lives up to BMW’s reputation as the ultimate driving machine.

Although most supercars only offer seating for two, the i8 uses a 2+2 seating configuration. However, BMW says the i8’s cabin is driver-focused and is designed to “immerse the driver fully in the unique driving experience.”

Look for the i8 to hit BMW showrooms in 2014 with a European starting price of over 100,000 euros, and over $100,000 in the U.S

leftlanenews

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Here are the latest (very close to the real thing) illustrations:

The BMW i8 is an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid that will be the halo product for the German automaker’s green-themed “i” sub-brand when it goes on sale in 2014. We’ve seen this dramatic coupe at various auto shows, first at Frankfurt in 2009 and now, most recently, at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The BMW i8 concept has evolved over the years, but still sports many design elements that have little chance at production. These illustrations, provided by a former senior designer at BMW DesignworksUSA, provide the clearest and most vivid look at what the street-legal i8 could look like in two years’ time.

Concept Car Wrapping
These images take away some features still seen on the concept, such as gullwing doors comprised of glass panels on their upper and lower surfaces. This rendering of the i8 has more conventional points of entry, as the bottom half is no longer a transparent pane of glass. However, during the New York Auto Show, a BMW rep did confirm the production version of the i8 would retain the concept car’s upward opening gullwing-style doors. Score one for the BMW design team.

Unlike what we saw a few months ago on a working prototype—which was caught in winter testing—the side mirrors have migrated from the doors to the front fenders. The front fascia appears remarkably similar to the concept’s, including the aerodynamic-looking vent in the nose of the car. Thankfully, the elegant sweep of the C-pillar, which extends over the rear fenders and onto the trunk, where it doubles as a rear wing, is also present.
BMW has stated that lightweight materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, will constitute a large percentage of the i8’s structure. Moveable aerodynamic devices are also possible, though nothing has been confirmed—and none of these images provide definitive proof that they might be included.

High performance coupe
Beneath the striking bodywork is an electric motor driving the front wheels, while a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine is coupled to the rears. The combined output of 354 horsepower is enough to hustle this 2+2 coupe from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, according to BMW’s calculations. Capable of running purely on electric power for short distance—estimated at 20 to 30 miles—the i8 should be capable of returning fuel economy of roughly 80 mpg.
Pricing has not been revealed, but we suspect the i8 Coupe will start somewhere around $150,000. A roadster variant has also been revealed, but BMW maintains it’s merely a design study—a working convertible top was not factored into the initial concept.

R&T

 

[Beemer B773ER]

So, ... where do the groceries go?

 

[Centurion]

So, ... where do the groceries go?

You'll be too busy eating out with hot dates.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Good thing you included 'with' in there, otherwise you'd be taking the car's name a little too literally.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

But in all seriousness and cleanliness, does this car have any sort of trunk/boot space for a bag or small suitcase? ... or is it for the type of person who buys them self a new outfit once they've arrived at their destination.

 

[Centurion]

But in all seriousness and cleanliness, does this car have any sort of trunk/boot space for a bag or small suitcase? ... or is it for the type of person who buys them self a new outfit once they've arrived at their destination.

It all depends on how clever they have been with the batteries. If the batteries form part of the floor, there should be sufficient cargo at the rear accessed by a hatch, or the trunk could be full of battery acid and cables and the bonnet will have space for a weekend bag and a neatly folded cashmere scarf.

 

[Centurion]

BMW i8 hands-on: the hybrid supercar at rest

BMW i8 hands-on: the hybrid supercar at rest | The Verge

If you happened to catch Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol when it hit Blu-ray and streaming services this past week, you might have noticed Tom Cruise tooling around in a very sleek hybrid sports car — the BMW i8. Although a production version is set to arrive sometime next year, right now there's only two of them in the world, and BMW had one tucked away in an NYC warehouse today for us to play with. Literally just today: it's being taken back to Germany on a cargo jet tomorrow for another event.

 

[Mr Robert]

I3 turbo engine... good thing the BDSM will be out in v 3.0 by then.

 

[klier]

I3 turbo engine... good thing the BDSM will be out in v 3.0 by then.

Huh?

 

[Deckhook]

@Scott.

Have BMW got any predicted sales figures for the i8 and i3 in it's target markets that you could share?

 

[tristatez28lt1]

Autobild render:

 

[braaf]

I must be honest, even though the engine details are not confirmed yet me thinks I am hoping or would prefer this car to be sporting the company's new 2L turbo.

 

[Deckhook]

Autobild render:

Not feeling the brown colour but I love the overall looks.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I wonder how a matte finish paint would look on this thing.

Will there be the option for naked CF ?

 

[Deckhook]

This report from WCF

BMW's i sub-brand is reaching a tipping point and the automaker is reportedly considering contingency plans should sales fail to materialize.
According to Automobile Magazine, a number of external factors - including the lack of a recharging infrastructure and austerity moves in Europe (which could result in less EV/hybrid tax credits) - are causing the company to second guess their goal of selling 100,000 i3s and 10,000 i8s annually. Despite the obstacles, BMW is reportedly committed to launching the models because it would cost "billions" to abandon the projects right now. While that's good news for fans of eco-friendly vehicles, the i1 and i5 are rumored to be on ice.
Regardless of what happens, BMW is undoubtedly watching sales of the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Fisker Karma. These models have all received praise, but have lost some of their momentum after being launched.

worldcarfans


It appears the world just isn't really. How this will effect BMW as a whole because they have put a huge investment into the i sub-brand.

 

[Guibo]

Regardless of what happens, BMW is undoubtedly watching sales of the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Fisker Karma. These models have all received praise, but have lost some of their momentum after being launched.

Not sure where they're getting their figures from, but Volt and Leaf sales are up this year compared to same time last year in the US where cheap gas is still king. There are already 7000 pre-orders of the Ampera in Europe. I thought BMW were targeting only 30,000 units per year for the i3.

 

[Hofmeister]

Not sure whether this is the finished article or not, it looks like a Z4 interior with F20/F30 climate controls.


And some pics of the rear and "engine" bay.




And finally a pic of its sexy alloys and front 3/4 view.





All images at http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/59655/bmw-i8-interior-spy-pictures

 

[Deckhook]

Thanks for these latest photos , kind of surprised that is might be using such a conventional interior.