It's been months since we've spied any BMW i8 prototype showing outwardly noticeable changes, but this i8 mule that Bimmerpost spied last week shows some significant alterations. The more things change, the more they stay the same, apparently. Though the advanced mechanical model holds true, it seems a far cry from the original supercar with the glass sides.
• Classic Hoffmeister kink has now been revealed.
• Kidney grilles now more visible than ever.
• Sideskirts now match the concept i8.
• Side view mirrors are sportier and extend out further, for a more exotic look.
• Door handles have been deleted from the doors and moved to the newly created gap between the rear edge of the door and the rear quarter panel, just like on the i8 Spyder Concept.
• Rear fenders/shoulders and tail lights have been raised for a more aggressive look, to match the look of the i8 Concept.
• Bulbous rear camouflage has been removed, showing much more of production rear's lines and shape.
Powertrain and Sales Target:
The concept i8 specs should give a great idea of what to expect for the production i8 model. The concept i8 features a high performance 3-cylinder petrol engine 220 hp in rear with i3's electric motor (limited to 128 hp) in front, resulting in total torque of 550 Nm (300Nm petrol engine + 250 Nm electric motor).
Here are the concept i8's previously released vitals (subject to change in the production model, of course):
- 3-cylinder petrol engine (220hp) in rear with i3's electric motor (limited to 128hp) in front
- 759 ft lbs torque (414 petrol engine + 345 electric motor)
- 3 driving modes - electric, petrol, or both engines at once
- 3,256 lbs
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph (limited)
- 87 mpg U.S. fuel economy
- 22 miles pure electric range
- 4 seater
- 50:50 distribution
- Market Launch: 2014
Exact sales and price targets for the i8 are yet undetermined. But, earlier this year, Ian Robertson, BMW’s global sales and marketing boss, while speaking reporters at the grand opening of the world's first BMW i Store in London, confirmed that the i8 will sell for "more than €100,000" in Europe ($130,000 in the U.S.). As for sales targets, Robertson has previously stated that "Our sales will strongly depend on legislation. Not only by big markets like the U.S. or China, but by local city authorities and their terms of taxation," Robertson said. "If a city like Amsterdam or London decides that you get a tax reduction, then sales will be boosted."––Paul Duchene
