Today at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled on of the most widely
anticipated cars in its history - the BMW i8. On most levels, this plug-in
hybrid 2+2 sports car is unlike any car ever introduced.
The 2015 BMW i8 is a new, cutting-edge generation of sports cars. The second
model unveiled by the new BMW i brand combines a plug-in hybrid drive system
with a passenger cell made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an
aluminum frame for the combustion engine and electric motor, the battery pack
and the suspension. With this revolutionary concept and the emotional appeal of
its aerodynamically optimized body design, the 2+2-seater - which was conceived
from the outset as a plug-in hybrid - paves the way for an engagingly dynamic
and futuristically efficient take on BMW's hallmark driving pleasure. By
cementing the brand's new premium character, strongly defined by sustainability,
in the sports car segment, the new i8 also demonstrates the broad spread and
universal appeal of the BMW i philosophy.
The research and development activities carried out by the BMW Group since 2007
as part of its project i initiative have laid the groundwork for a visionary car
conceived with the impact of environmental, economic and social change around
the world very much in mind. Alongside its conceptual and technological
development work, the company has also conducted field studies looking at the
use of pure-electric vehicles in everyday conditions. More than 1,000 people
have taken part in the studies, racking up in excess of 32 million kilometers
(20 million miles) at the wheel. The knowledge gained as a result has been
channeled into the creation of innovative vehicle concepts and mobility
solutions.
Thanks to its revolutionary vehicle concept and intelligent drive system
management, the BMW i8 strikes the optimum balance between dynamic ability and
efficiency in a variety of driving situations. The output of the engine and
electric motor, the capacity of the high-voltage battery, intelligent energy
management and the vehicle's overall weight are tailored to form a precisely
composed package that defines the unique character of the plug-in hybrid sports
car. Its all-electric driving range is sufficient to cover most urban driving
requirements, and out of town, the BMW i8 offers impressively sporty performance
which is also very efficient thanks to the power-boosting support for the
gasoline engine from the electric motor.
The BMW i8 will arrive in US showrooms in spring of 2014 with a base
Manufcturer's Suggested Retail Price of $135,925 including destination and
handling.
Ultra-dynamic Exterior Design
The design of the BMW i8 body is as groundbreaking as the plug-in hybrid sports
car's concept as a whole. Hallmark BMW dynamics, lightweight design and
efficiency are all expressed in the car's proportions, lines and surface design.
The 2+2-seater is immediately recognizable as a BMW i model and a new-generation
sports car.
The front view of the BMW i8 exudes sporting ability in its purest form. Large
front apron air intakes arranged over several levels generate a powerful feeling
of depth. The extremely broad BMW kidney grille stretches over to the slim
headlights, accentuating the width of the BMW i8 and its road-focused stance.
The car's full-LED headlights adopt the hallmark U-shape of BMW i models. The
dipped and high-beam light is emitted by a lens positioned on the far outer edge
of the light units. The three-dimensional design of the light sources lend their
appearance a sporty character.
The low-slung stance of the rear end and its horizontal, width-emphasizing lines
also provide a clear showcase for the dynamic potential of the BMW i8. The rear
is bordered by the sculpted rear wheel arches. The sloping rear window opens
high, allowing easy access to the storage compartment located underneath. The
rear lights, reflectors and rear diffuser form a single visual unit that
strengthens the car's already powerful appearance. Like the headlights, the
intricately designed rear light clusters also feature the characteristic BMW i
U-shaped design. The directional indicators are integrated above the rear lights
into the descending roofline. All of the exterior lights on the BMW i8 are LEDs.
The BMW i8 boasts a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26.
The paintwork adorning the side body panels and front and rear ends of the BMW
i8 can be specified in a choice of four colors, three of which have been created
exclusively for BMW i. All the paint finishes provide a striking contrast to the
black band. And, depending on the color chosen, the accent surfaces on the side
skirts, at the rear and on the BMW kidney grille surround come in BMW i Frozen
Blue or Frozen Grey.
