Judging from spy photos Autoblog has seen recently, the BMW i8 is coming along nicely. With more realistic bodywork, the hybrid supercar is beginning to look like it actually belongs on public streets. Now Sonny Lim, former head of BMW DesignWorks, has taken a stab at what the finished product may look like via a handful of renderings.
And the news is good. With shorter wheelbase and clipped length, compared to the concept, the production vehicle is rumored to tip the scales at around 3,187 pounds, or just under the concept's original weight goal. Much of that savings is thanks to substantial use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the vehicle's chassis.
The combination of an electric motor and a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine means the i8 should offer buyers just under 400 horsepower, and three driving modes. The driver will be able to pick between pure-electric, gasoline or a medley of both. All told, the i8 should deliver 0-60 mph under 4.9 seconds, with the help of both power sources. So there. ––Paul Duchene
